39 Self-Proclaimed Ugly Ducklings Who Had a Total Glow Up

Today we’re going to take a look at some before-and-after photos of self-proclaimed “ugly ducklings” who underwent a massive glow up.

(Also, just FYI: all of these photos were submitted by the people in the photos themselves.)

We’re thrilled to be able to celebrate these glow ups with the people who put the work in and achieved swan status!

via: Reddit

She grew her hair out, got braces, and, in her own words, “bit by bit I started to treat myself a lil nicer.”

Way to go, girl!

via: Imgur

“The photographer even made me push my glasses up because I liked to wear them on the tip of my nose!”

via: Imgur

We all remember what it’s like to be 17, right? Now, she says “My hair doesn’t look like a bad wig anymore.”

So true! Her hair is incredible — so is that lip color!

via: Reddit

What a difference 10 years makes!

“My dad used to call me Ugly Betty. I took it as a compliment.”

This next transformation is seriously incredible.

via: Reddit

The picture on the left is from age 25, while the picture on the right is at age 40.

“Life begins at 40!” this woman writes.

via: Reddit

“I owe a lot to contacts, braces, filling in my eyebrows, and my hairline somehow growing forward.”

Ah, yes. Can’t forget the eyebrows!

via: Reddit

Yep.

This is definitely a glow up. We hope he still enjoys listening to the Ramones, though!

via: Reddit

“[I] went through horrible cystic acne, lost 50 pounds, got braces, and dropped an emotionally abusive boyfriend.”

And it looks like she found a partner who appreciates her for exactly who she is. Wins all around!

via: Reddit

Even his hair grew up. Lookin’ good, man!

This next picture might make you do a double take.

via: Reddit

Look at that hair!

It’s amazing what growing out your hair (and aging 8 years) can do.

via: Reddit

“I lost 110 pounds in 18 months after a rugby injury, started rowing for my university, and got my MSc in mathematics.”

Obviously a glow up for sure, but he may want to talk to someone about losing all that color.

via: Imgur

Um…has it?

Looks like it’s been a very good decade, actually.

via: Imgur

“Who knew a jawline would be hidden under all of that?”

Lovin’ the confidence of the photo on the right!

via: Reddit

“Thank god for weight loss, puberty, and braces.”

Ah yes, the trifecta of “ugly duckling” transformations.

This next picture shows the effect of great makeup skills.

via: Reddit

“Got a haircut, got braces, and a new wardrobe!”

Eyeliner game is on lock here.

via: Reddit

These photos were taken 20 years apart.

And oh, what a 20 years they were!

via: Reddit

I think I can speak for all of us when I say:

WOW.

via: Reddit

“Puberty and private dentistry. And let’s not forget fake tan and makeup get a lot of credit here!”

via: Reddit

The best part of these pictures isn’t necessarily the phenomenal glow up; it’s the fact that she smiled the whole way through, even on tougher days.

Now, let’s see another fabulous transformation!

via: Imgur

A little less hair dye, slightly fewer hair accessories, and a few less pounds.

Also, way to work your angles!

via: Imgur

“Lost some weight and gained some confidence along the way.”

If there’s one thing we’ve learned from these glow ups, it’s that confidence is key.

via: Reddit

He was 19 years old on the left and 21 on the right.

Talk about #HairGoals.

via: Reddit

“[Here’s] what 10 years of makeup, self-esteem, and effort can do to twins.”

Forget double takes; these pictures induce quadruple takes.

“Lost the glasses and stupid fringe.”

Those eyebrows are a force to be reckoned with.

This next set of images once again shows the effect 10 years can have.

via: Reddit

Lost the glasses, grew out the hair.

And lost the braces, too!

via: Reddit

This guy could legit be a student at Hogwarts, right?

How do you even get your hair to do that?!

via: Reddit

Pretty much everyone changes between the ages of 15 and 23, but not all of us are as fortunate to have such a drastic change.

Still, her smile is beautiful in both pics!

via: Reddit

“I’d like to think the past 9 years have been kind to me.”

Yeah. You could say that.

via: Reddit

“I don’t even look like the same person anymore.” Nope! Lovin’ the beard!

Want more impressive glow ups? Read on!

via: Reddit

“No one calls me Bieber anymore.”

To be fair, both pictures are gorgeous, but it’s nice to see a smile in the “after.”

via: Imgur

“Middle school was rough.”

Don’t worry. Middle school was rough on all of us.

via: Imgur

Wow!

Once again, eyebrows are hella on fleek.

via: Imgur

“When only your ears look the same!”

Yep! We’d recognize those ears anywhere. Congrats on the glow up!

via: Reddit

“Lost the weight but damn I miss that hair.” We don’t blame you. That hair was rad.

This next transformation started with someone who apparently really loved tie-dye.

via: Reddit

This set of photos should give hope to everyone who rocked the tie-dyed shirt and thin-framed glasses as a kid. There’s hope!

via: Reddit

“[I] traded in the braces and acne in exchange for a healthy dose of self-confidence and the ability to smile.”

You traded up!

via: Reddit

“I still feel a lot like the kid on the left.”

Hey, you still are the kid on the left! Just with great hair and some killer tattoos.

via: Reddit

“My former bullies have asked me out not even realizing we went to the same school for four years!”

Joke’s on them.

via: Reddit

“I was a t-shirt, baggy jeans, and scowl face kind of girl.”

And look at you now!

Share this with someone who experienced a major glow up!