6 Times Kelly Clarkson Ditched Her Hair Extensions And Looked Almost Unrecognizable
Since Kelly Clarkson won the debut season of "American Idol" back in 2002, she's had to answer for her changing image countless times. At 20 years old when she competed, a fresh-faced Clarkson was rocking some serious skunk stripes in her hair as the world was first introduced to her. Over the years, through phases and eras, a marriage and a divorce, the singer's fans have seen her through it all. In terms of her luscious locks, though, they might've just had their most severe change-up yet.
In July 2025, it was announced on Instagram that the "Since U Been Gone" singer would be returning to her judging chair on "The Voice" for an upcoming season between former winners. When Clarkson's chair finally turned around, fans were gagged to see that Kelly Clarkson had cut her hair into a dramatic bob. She paired the aesthetic of the 1920s cut with a button-down, slacks, and an untied bowtie. This will undoubtedly be an elevated step in Kelly Clarkson's stunning hair transformation, but don't think we've forgotten the eras of days past. As the "Because of You" singer steps confidently into a new 'do, let's take a look back at the other times Clarkson rocked her hair, sans extensions. Often, her extension-free locks were still long, but were lacking the signature density and thickness that comes with added pieces.
Kelly Clarkson went bare faced and without extensions during the pandemic
During the thick of the COVID-19 pandemic back in June 2020, celebs were participating in all kinds of internet challenges and face-offs in attempts to stay connected in the wake of isolation. So, when Mariah Carey nominated Kelly Clarkson for the All In Challenge, she was game. She took to Instagram to announce what she and her team would be doing, and just so happened to be bare-faced and extension-less. Clarkson's shoulder-length blond locks had a subtle, bouncy curl and her complexion was not to be beat.
Kelly Clarkson's subtle curl and a brown smokey eye brought us back to the 2010s
Flash forward to April 2019, and Kelly Clarkson's hair is now completely blond, but that smile sure hasn't changed. "The Kelly Clarkson Show" host was promoting an episode of "The Voice" that she was hosting on Instagram, but all we could focus on was the perfect daytime smokey eye she had on. The bronzed-eye look, combined with the subtle outward curl on Clarkson's shoulder-length lob, brought us right back to the autumns of the 2010s. All we need now is a pumpkin spice latte!
Kelly Clarkson was undetectable with her hair tucked into a cap
In March 2021, Kelly Clarkson unexpectedly received a pizza from fellow judge on "The Voice," John Legend. As the Instagram clip was unplanned, Clarkson was rocking a maroon crewneck and had her hair tucked into a trucker cap, no makeup or extensions in sight. Though she was nagging Legend for failing to include a bottle of his signature Rosé, her supporters couldn't get enough of the stripped-down look, one user writing, "She's beautiful this way." Another added, "Love the natural look on you girl."
A hat and pigtails made Kelly Clarkson look like one of us
As you can probably tell by now, Kelly Clarkson loves to keep it bare-faced and au naturel when she's speaking directly to her fans on social media. In June 2023 she posted yet another video to Instagram, answering questions about her then-upcoming tour dates. It was another casual, sit-down setting as Clarkson was wearing a simple tank top and a bomber jacket, wearing her hair in low pigtails under another trucker hat. If she weren't on her Instagram, we totally would've mistaken her for another mom in the supermarket.
Kelly Clarkson frequently posts bare-faced, extension-less TikToks
Not only will Kelly Clarkson post clips to Instagram speaking one-on-one with her fans, but she'll also participate in games and gags for viewers to giggle along with on social media. In June 2023, the "Stronger" singer participated in the red flag TikTok trend, where a filter decides what your most toxic traits are, to promote her song "Red Flag Collector." She reposted the video to Instagram, wearing a plain black T-shirt and pinning back a few pieces of her chest-length straight hair in the clip.
Kelly Clarkson rocked a side braid while promoting her Vegas residency
In July 2023, Kelly Clarkson was preparing to kick off her Vegas residency and had to promote it on Instagram during rehearsals. Microphone on hip and coffee in hand, Clarkson posted a video to Instagram at the venue, celebrating how exciting this new feat would be. Rocking a green robe-style maxi dress with floral designs, a sunhat, and an adorable little side braid, you'd think Clarkson was getting ready to head on vacation, not clocking in, but regardless, she looked fabulous.