Selena Gomez’s Latest Hair Transformations - and How You Can Nail Them with Seamless Clip-In Extensions
Selena Gomez has been seriously switching up her hair game lately - and fans are obsessed. From chic short cuts to ultra-long mermaid waves, the 30-year-old songstress/actress has been having fun “expanding her hairstyle horizons” in recent months (people.com).
The best part? Many of these dramatic changes are achieved with the help of hair extensions, meaning you too can recreate Selena’s looks without a drastic cut or dye job. In this post, we’ll break down Selena’s recent hairstyles and show how seamless clip-in extensions - specifically Barely Xtensions - can help you get the same vibe. We’ll also dish out styling tips, maintenance advice, and even point you to image inspo so you can channel your inner Selena with confidence! 💁♀️
Selena’s Recent Hairstyles: From Cute Bob to Glamorous Lengths
Selena kicked off 2022 by debuting a fresh wavy bob with fringe bangs - a major change from the longer, highlighted locks she’d had before. In March, she surprised fans on Instagram with a textured short lob (long bob) and curly front bangs, captioned “New hair who dis?” (people.com).
This flirty, tousled bob cut (reminiscent of ‘70s-inspired curtain bangs) showed Selena could rock a chic short style effortlessly.
But just weeks later, the Rare Beauty founder did a total 180° hair transformation. By late May 2022, Selena unveiled waist-length hair complete with piece-y, wispy bangs - giving off total boho “Summer Selena” vibes (people.com).
The typically dark-haired star’s new locks featured a rich coffee-brown color with subtle copper highlights blended throughout for a sun-kissed effect (nylon.com).
How did her shoulder-length hair seemingly grow a couple of feet overnight? Selena’s go-to stylists at Nine Zero One salon revealed the secret: extensions. In a behind-the-scenes TikTok/Instagram reel, they showed how Selena’s asymmetrical bob was blown out, then boosted with light brown, auburn-highlighted extension wefts to add incredible length and dimension (people.com).
“Here’s a great way to transform your client’s hair without having to color at all! Just add extensions!” the salon captioned the video, noting that they “added in auburn brown…to create a new summer look” for Selena (people.com).
After securing the extensions, her stylists trimmed and blended Selena’s new Rapunzel lengths, snipping her fringe into chic, eye-skimming bangs, and gave everything a volumizing blowout for extra oomph (people.com).
The result? A show-stopping, waist-grazing mane that had fans in a frenzy. (One commenter dubbed it “ICONIC…her best hairstyle” - and we can’t help but agree!🔥).
Fast forward to early 2024, and Selena switched it up again - proving she’s never afraid to change her look. She said goodbye to the super-long tresses (and the chunky caramel-blonde highlights she’d experimented with) and returned to a glossy, shoulder-length lob in her signature dark chocolate hue (allure.com).
This soft, collarbone-skimming cut, often styled in loose bends or sleek waves, brought Selena back to a classic old-Hollywood vibe. Of course, knowing Selena, this likely isn’t permanent either. In fact, she often bounces between short and long hairstyles, frequently mixing things up with extensions to keep us guessing (allure.com).
One month she’s rocking a blunt bob at a red carpet, the next she’s serving Disney princess length locks on TikTok - it’s all part of her playful style evolution. And with extensions in her beauty arsenal, these swift transformations are virtually seamless (literally!).
Image Reference: Selena Gomez with her freshly chopped wavy bob and bangs (left), and then flaunting ultra-long, waist-length waves with bangs (right). The dramatic length difference was achieved by adding extensions (people.com).
The Secret to Selena’s Versatility: Seamless Clip-In Extensions 💇♀️
So, what allows Selena to go from a lob to long, luscious locks in a snap? The secret is high-quality seamless clip-in hair extensions. While Selena often has a pro stylist install her extensions, the good news is you can get a similar transformation at home with the right clip-in extensions - no permanent bonds or salon visits required. Clip-ins are a temporary, damage-free way to add length, volume, and even color accents to your hair in minutes.
Not all extensions are created equal, though. To really nail that undetectable celeb look, you’ll want to choose seamless wefts that lie flat against your head. Barely Xtensions (available on our website and also at your local Sally Beauty) offers Ultra Seamless Clip-in Extensions that are perfect for this. What makes BX special? For starters, Barely Xtensions use a 1/4-inch micro-thin skin weft, which means each hair weft is super thin and sits flush to your scalp for a virtually invisible blend.
Even if you pull your hair into a pony or run your fingers over the roots, you won’t feel bulky strips - the extensions truly live up to the “barely there” name.
Another key feature is the hair quality and color. Barely Xtensions are made from 100% premium Remy Human Hair, which is the gold standard for extensions. Remy hair keeps the cuticle intact and aligned, so the extensions stay silky, tangle-free, and mimic natural hair movement. Plus, each set has an exclusive multi-dimensional coloring effect, blending multiple tones in each strand for an incredibly natural look (sallybeauty.com).
No chunky, stripey extension streaks here - the color blend helps the added hair disappear into your own. This multi-tone feature is awesome if you’re trying to replicate Selena’s subtle highlights or balayage. For example, when Selena went longer, her stylists chose extension pieces a shade or two lighter than her base to give a highlighted, sunkissed “glow” without actually dyeing her hair (people.com).
You can do the same by picking a clip-in shade that has a mix of colors - Barely Xtensions come in blended shades that can add dimension instantly.
Importantly, clip-ins are non-damaging when used correctly. Barely Xtensions’ wefts have small, advanced micro-clips with a silicone coating, which grip onto your natural hair securely without the need for teasing/backcombing and without causing breakage (sallybeauty.com).
The clips are designed to hide under your hair layers, so you can confidently put your hair up or down knowing nothing is showing or slipping. And because you can pop clip-ins in and out on a whim, you’re not committing to one style - feel like long hair today and a bob tomorrow? Totally doable (Selena does it all the time!). Essentially, quality clip-ins like these give you the freedom to experiment with celebrity hairstyles safely.
No long grow-out periods, no damage from glue or tape, and no “oops” hair regrets - just instant glam when you want it. 🙌
Steal Selena’s Style: How to Recreate Her Looks with Clip-Ins
Ready to channel your inner Selena Gomez? Below are step-by-step guides to achieving three of Selena’s recent, head-turning hairstyles using clip-in extensions. Whether you’re feeling her boho-long waves or her sophisticated lob, we’ve got you covered. Grab your Barely Xtensions, and let’s get styling! ✨
Look 1: “Summer Selena” Waist-Length Waves with Wispy Bangs
One of Selena’s most iconic 2022 looks was her waist-length wavy hair with bangs, unveiled in a viral TikTok (courtesy of her stylists at Nine Zero One). It was a dramatic switch from her short bob, and it screamed summertime glam. Selena’s locks were a rich espresso brown melded with subtle copper highlights, styled into soft, loose waves with eyelash-grazing bangs (people.com) and (nylon.com).
Here’s how you can achieve this mermaid-esque style:
Start with the Right Extensions: To get that extra-long length, you’ll need extensions around 18-20 inches long. Choose a shade that matches your hair color from mid-length to ends (for Selena’s look, think deep brown with warm highlights). Using multi-tonal extensions will mimic Selena’s dimensional color - for example, Barely Xtensions in Medium Dark Brown and Dark Brown would recreate those sun-kissed streaks (people.com) and (sallybeauty.com).
Section and Clip-In: Prep your natural hair by brushing it thoroughly and creating a horizontal part at the nape of your neck. Clip up the rest of your hair. Take the longest weft and clip it along the parted section (the micro-thin weft should lie nice and flat). Work your way upward in sections - parting, clipping in the next weft - until you’ve added all the extensions needed for fullness. Selena’s stylists added numerous wefts “piece by piece” to build out her length, so don’t be afraid to use all the wefts in your set. Pro Tip: If you have a blunt haircut, consider having a stylist trim your extensions once they’re in, creating a blended cut. (Selena’s team gave her extensions a little snip to mesh with her natural ends and to refine her bangs!). (shefinds.com) and (people.com).
Frame the Face (Bangs Time!): Selena’s wispy bangs were a huge part of this look. If you already have bangs, great - you can style them to match hers (she wore them straight down, just skimming her eyebrows, for a 1960s retro vibe). If you don’t have bangs, you have a couple options: (a) use a clip-in bangs piece (made of human hair) that matches your color, or (b) create faux bangs by pulling a thin section of your extensions or natural hair from the crown forward over your forehead and securing it (you might need to get a stylist to trim this section into a believable fringe). The key is a soft, not-too-thick bang that blends into the rest of the hair at the temples.
Blend and Wave: Now for styling. Once your clip-ins are secure, you should have a cascade of long hair. Blend your natural hair with the extensions by curling everything together. Using a large-barrel curling iron or wand, curl 2-3 inch sections of hair away from your face. Aim for loose, airy waves rather than tight spirals. After curling each section, gently run your fingers through it or use a wide-tooth comb to relax the curl into a soft wave. Selena’s waves had an effortless, beachy feel - nothing too perfect or uniform.
Finish with Volume and Shine: To really emulate Selena’s look, add a bit of lift at the roots (you can lightly tease the crown of your natural hair above the extension tracks - careful not to snag the wefts). Her stylists gave her a final blowout and a mist of hairspray for volume, so you can do the same: a light root tease or spray for volume, plus a flexible-hold hairspray to set the waves. Mist a shine spray or work a drop of hair serum through the ends for that glossy finish that Selena always has. Now you’ve got Summer Selena hair - go ahead and take some selfies! 📸✨ (people.com).
Image Reference: Selena Gomez showing off her waist-length, wavy “Summer Selena” hairstyle with chic bangs (achieved with the help of extensions) (people.com).
This warm brunette, boho-glam look can be yours with long clip-ins and a curling iron.
Look 2: The Voluminous Long Bob (Textured “Lob”)
Selena doesn’t always wear super-long hair - she’s also known for her gorgeous lob haircuts. Most recently, in early 2024 she returned to a collarbone-length long bob that looks elegant and low-key all at once (allure.com).
This hairstyle is all about healthy shine, subtle volume, and a touch of texture. Think soft waves and plenty of movement, rather than pin-straight strands. The lob is a fantastic everyday style, and extensions can come in handy here too (mainly for volume or if you’re currently rocking a shorter bob and want to cheat a longer length temporarily).
Selena’s lob was a rich dark brown (having ditched the blonde highlights), often styled in barely-there waves by her stylist (allure.com).
To get Selena’s lob style:
Choose Extensions for Volume: If your hair is already around shoulder-length, you might not need extensions for length, but adding a few wefts can amp up the thickness. For a lob, opt for shorter clip-ins (no more than 18 inches long) so that after you clip them in, you can trim them to match your cut (extensions can be cut by a stylist to perfectly blend with a lob). Select a color that exactly matches your current hair shade since this look is more about uniform color (Selena’s was a solid dark brunette). If you do want the subtle highlighted effect Selena had before, you can choose a set with very fine balayage highlights to mimic that dimensional brunette without needing to bleach your hair.
Placement: For a lob, focus the extensions more toward the back of your head and below the crown, rather than near the top, so that the upper layers of your real hair can cover the wefts. You might use maybe 2-3 medium-width wefts along the back (occipital area) and a couple on the sides if needed. Since we’re going for volume, not extreme length, you may not use an entire set - just enough to fill out the shape.
Blend and Cut: Once the extensions are in, check the overall shape. Ideally, the ends of the extensions should line up with your haircut. It’s worth it to take a minute and carefully trim any extension pieces that stick out beyond your bob’s baseline. (If you’re unsure about cutting, have a hairstylist do a quick blend cut while you’re wearing the extensions - it makes all the difference in realism).
Style with Soft Waves: Selena’s lob look was often styled in what I’d call “undone waves” - very loose, subtle bends that give the hair movement. To do this, take a flat iron or a curling wand and wrap medium sections of hair once around the barrel (for a flat iron, twist the wrist slightly as you glide down each section). You’re not curling end-to-root; you’re just adding a wave in the mid-lengths. Leave the bottom 1-2 inches of hair mostly straight. This creates that modern, effortless texture. Alternate direction on each section for a tousled effect. If your hair tends to fall flat, spritz a texturizing spray or a bit of dry shampoo at the roots and massage for lift.
Polish It Off: Run a smoothing serum lightly over the top to tame flyaways and enhance shine - Selena’s lobs always look healthy. Finally, you can tuck one side behind your ear (Selena often tucks one side, showing off her earring and giving a slightly asymmetrical vibe). A light mist of flexible hold hairspray will keep the waves in place without stiffness. Now you’ve got a Selena-worthy lob that’s both polished and playful!
Image Reference: Selena Gomez sporting her sleek and voluminous long bob at a Rare Beauty event. This elegant lob (long bob) style is chic and modern - you can add a couple of extensions for fullness to achieve that same swishy, full-bodied effect (allure.com).
Look 3: Boho Braids with Extra Length
After getting her waist-length extensions, Selena didn’t just wear her hair down - she also had fun with cute, casual styles. One adorable summer look she showed off was two loose braided plaits with face-framing pieces, which she rocked on a boat ride (people.com).
This style is perfect for when you have long extensions in and want to change it up from curls or straight hair. It has a carefree, bohemian vibe (and bonus: braids will show off any highlights or dimension in your extensions).
To recreate Selena’s boho-braids:
Clip In for Length: Go ahead and put in your long extensions as described in Look 1, or at least enough wefts to give you braided length past your chest. Secure them well - you’ll be braiding, so you don’t want any wefts slipping.
Part and Divide: Split your hair down the middle or slightly off-center (whichever you prefer) to create two sections, one over each shoulder. Include the extension hair in each side evenly.
Braid It Out: Loosely braid each section in a classic three-strand braid. Don’t pull the braid tight; instead, keep it a bit slack so it looks thicker and more relaxed. Selena’s braids were described as “messy braided plaits with framing side pieces,” so don’t worry about making them perfect. In fact, leave a few wispy strands out around your face to mimic that soft, undone look (people.com).
Secure and Pancake: Tie off each braid with a small clear elastic. Then gently tug at the loops of the braid (a technique called “pancaking”) to widen it and make it appear even fuller. This is where having extensions helps - more hair = chunkier braids! Pull a little at sections of the braid from bottom to top until you’re happy with the thickness.
Finishing Touches: If needed, use a light hairspray to set the braids, but keep it minimal - this style is all about being effortless. You can accessorize with a cute baseball cap or beanie like Selena often does, or just rock the braids as-is with some big hoop earrings for flair (Selena paired her braids with gold hoops for that extra pop). Now you’ve got a fun, youthful look that’s perfect for weekends, music festivals, or whenever you’re feeling a bit boho (people.com).
Image Reference: Selena Gomez with her long hair in loose twin braids, as seen in a TikTok clip (people.com).
With clip-in extensions adding length and volume, your braids can be just as thick and dreamy.
Caring for Your Extensions: Keep Them Selena-Smooth
Achieving these styles is one thing - keeping your extensions looking lush and lasting long is another. Clip-in extensions, especially human hair ones like Barely Xtensions, are an investment, so you’ll want to treat them kindly. Here are some extension care and maintenance tips (straight from the experts) to ensure your clip-ins stay silky and gorgeous for months:
Brush Gently and Frequently: To prevent tangles and matting, brush your extensions before and after each wear. Use a gentle brush, like a boar bristle or a looped extension brush, that won’t tug too hard. Start from the ends and work your way up to avoid breakage. Keeping them tangle-free will majorly extend their life.
Remove Before Sleeping or Swimming: Always take your clip-in extensions out before you go to bed, hit the pool, or do intense workouts. Sleeping or swimming in extensions can lead to knotting and even damage your natural hair or the extension wefts. The beauty of clip-ins is you can easily pop them off when you don’t need them - your hair (and the extensions) will thank you!
Wash Only As Needed: Unlike your real hair, extensions don’t receive natural scalp oils, so they don’t need frequent washing. In fact, less washing = longer-lasting extensions. Only wash them when there’s product build-up or they become difficult to style. When you do wash: use a sulfate-free, gentle shampoo and deep conditioner. Always be delicate - don’t scrub aggressively. Afterwards, air dry your extensions flat on a towel (blow-drying can be too harsh, though a cool setting is okay if you must) (sallybeauty.com) and (sallybeauty.com).
Hydrate and Protect: To keep that glossy Selena-like shine, use leave-in conditioner or a light hair oil on the extensions after washing. Since extensions can’t get moisture from your scalp, you’ll need to manually nourish them. Also, whenever you style with heat, ALWAYS spritz a heat protectant spray on your extensions (and your real hair too!). Use hot tools on a low heat setting - human hair extensions can handle heat, but excessive high heat will shorten their lifespan over time (sallybeauty.com) and (sallybeauty.com).
Store Them Safely: When you’re done wearing your clip-ins for the day, don’t just toss them on your dresser. To avoid unnecessary tangling or dust, store your extensions in a clean, dry place. You can keep them in the box they came in, a storage case, or even a zip-lock bag - just make sure they’re brushed, fully dry, and laid flat (or gently coiled) to maintain their shape. Proper storage protects them and means less detangling next time.
No Dye Drama: If possible, buy extensions that match your color (or the color you want) so you don’t have to color them. While Remy human Hair extensions can technically be dyed, it’s not recommended. Extensions have already been through a color process, and adding more chemicals can make them dry or even ruin the quality. If you absolutely must change the shade, seek professional help and do a strand test. But the easiest route is to get the right color from the start or use your extensions to play with color (for example, use highlighted extensions for an ombré effect like Selena did, rather than bleaching your own hair!) (people.com).
By following these tips, your extensions will stay silky, smooth, and ready for your next style adventure. High-quality clip-ins like Barely Xtensions are made to be reusable, so with a little TLC you’ll get plenty of use - and lots of fabulous hair days - out of them.
In Summary: Selena Gomez’s hair evolution - from short and sassy to long and lavish - shows just how transformative clip-in extensions can be. Whether you’re after her bohemian summer waves, her classy lob, or anything in between, the key is choosing seamless, natural-looking extensions and styling them with care. Barely Xtensions, with our undetectable wefts and gorgeous human hair quality, make it easy to mimic Selena’s mane without damaging your own hair (sallybeauty.com) and (sallybeauty.com).
From there, it’s all about having fun: curl, braid, and style to your heart’s content, just like Selena does. With the styling tutorials and maintenance tricks above, you’re all set to recreate Ms. Gomez’s enviable hairdos. So go ahead - try a new look! After all, hair is meant to be played with, and if one of Hollywood’s biggest stars can reinvent her tresses on a whim, why not you? 😉
Now excuse us while we put on “Rare” and have our own little hair-flick moment... Happy styling! 💖