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30 “Ugly Ducklings” Share Their Incredible Transformations Into Beautiful Swans (New Pics)
There are moments in our puberty, aka blunder years, that we are not exactly proud of. Like that one school pic in your parents’ photo album that you dread equally much as falling ill ‘cause your health insurance policy may tell you "see u later, alligator."
But hey, we’ve all been there and it’s totally fine and honestly, quite cute. And there’s even some real-life evidence that shows that some people have literally blossomed so much that they're now beautiful swans both inside and out.
So this time, we are looking at some of the most incredible “ugly duckling” transformations that prove there’s some justice after all in the looks department. Shared on the "Ugly Duckling" subreddit, these crazy before and afters will make you think twice about that shy boy in baggy sweater and braces who you sat next to in the 8th grade. And after you’re done scrolling through this post, be sure to check out more jaw-dropping transformations in our previous posts here, here, and here.
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
Age 18 To 23, Used To Look Up In Photos To Try To Hide My Substantial Double Chin
Máté Jancsek 5 years ago
If the left guy would wait me in the bed once, I would never ask how he even got into my house...
RELATED:
#2
23 vs. 31 - Lost The Weight (160lbs) 7 Years Ago. My Hair Moved From The Top Of My Head To My Face And I’m Still Trying To Find My Look, But I Felt Good Today
#3
Mid 20’s To Mid 30’s
Being an ugly duckling, which takes its name from Hans Christian Andersen’s tale, refers to glowing up and developing into an attractive and successful person as opposed to what one has been before in their early days. But many people grew up with the idea of being an “ugly duckling” when they were kids and for some, it still follows them into their adult life.
As a result, even if this is a positive and celebrated transformation, many people can suffer lasting emotional effects. For example, ugly duckling syndrome can be a reason why so many of us can’t take compliments and see stares from people of the opposite sex as insults.
#4
19 To 27 - 220lbs Down Due To Gradual And Sustained Change Over A Long Time
Aria Whitaker 5 years ago
He looks awesome, I am so happy for his great transformation...and his friend in blue is incredible too!! Wowwwww, so handsome!
#5
15 - 19 I’d Like To Thank Accutane And Losing 90lbs
Agnes Jekyll 5 years ago
Accutane has serious side effects--notably serious depression. Not to be taken lightly.
#6
[16-17] Two Selfies, Before And After Double Jaw Surgery
![[16-17] Two Selfies, Before And After Double Jaw Surgery](https://static.boredpanda.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/050-5fe051b64a3f6__700.jpg "[16-17] Two Selfies, Before And After Double Jaw Surgery")
Neva Nevičica 5 years ago
Hope it wasn't painful, it was totally worth it, you look really pretty :)
Moreover, those who have ever seen themselves as ugly ducklings can struggle to realize the power of their natural beauty. It may also be a good thing, since it helps to develop an inner strength that later carries us in our lives.
Most importantly, people who glowed up later in their lives are now much more likely to judge a book by what’s inside rather than its cover. Appreciation of inner beauty is a beautiful thing that enriches humans in profound ways.
In the end, looks come and go, and if you build your personality solely on your outer traits, you may well struggle to cope with your identity in the event that you lose them.
#7
18 To 28 - Lost The Glasses, Found Some Hair, Kept The Nerdiness And Over-Optimism
Diana Bahamonde 5 years ago (edited)
You look like a baby with beard lol. Cute before and even cuter now
#8
2019-2020. Went Through A Bad Year After A Horrible Failed Toxic Relationship (2014-2018) Gained A Bunch Of Weight Then Got It Together Finally
#9
14 vs. 18 M / Used To Get Bullied So Hard I Still Get Insecure
Boopie Dew 5 years ago
Sometimes helping others that may be being bullied now may help you become more secure and help them see being bullied isn't for life. It will get better.
Julieta S. 5 years ago
Bullied because you were too handsome... they were envious of the potential!
BabaBizzle 5 years ago
Bullying is a life altering experience that tears down self esteem. Having the where with all to see the bullies for who they are , bloody losers, helps as you find your inner strength to rebuild your confidence. You are doing amazing- don’t stop working on yourself-the next way to beat a bully is to become the best version of yourself. Don’t let them win.
Agnes Jekyll 5 years ago
Oh, you look SO kind and lovely as a kid. I'm sorry you were bullied.
Marnie 5 years ago
Do you think there is a single parent in the world who would be surprised to find out their kid is a bully? I always imagine that the parents of bullies are the type where they wouldn't care, would laugh it off, or would be proud. How could a good parent raise a bully? Not a rhetorical question.
#10
Lost 100lbs And Now I Model Full Time!
penguin 5 years ago
I'm happy for him, but I like him better beforehand (if I were his age), his eyes were more impressive
MJ Scooter 5 years ago
I know, went from cute boy next door to nascent serial killer
Load More Replies... 
#11
22-31 Gained A Pair Of Glasses, Some Weight, And A Few Tats
#12
12-27. Childhood Was A Rough But It Makes For A Good Personality
Kathryn Baylis 5 years ago
Never underestimate the value of a good personality. I’ve known some beautiful people who were only beautiful on the outside. Inside they were either empty or ugly and disgusting. I’ve also know people who radiated beauty from within, even though they didn’t fit society’s norm for appearance. But that didn’t matter, because they just glowed so warm and bright no one cared. And here’s the other thing: beauty fades. We all get old, and it’s only the desperate ones who go for all the fillers and surgeries to try and hold on to youth, because they have nothing else to fall back on, meaning personality. The rest of us have been relying on our personalities all our lives, while the beauties just skated along on their looks. We age so much better, and don’t have to scramble to develop wit, intelligence, and wisdom. We already got them.
rehanne garvey 5 years ago
Actually, its a person's free will to have fillers and surgeries. How mean of you to say those people are desperate. You have a lot of growing up and acceptance to get. Because putting others down for their personal choices is immature
Load More Replies... #13
19 -> 25 Found An Interview I Did At My First Internship About 6 Years Ago
Eglė Bukauskaitė 4 years ago
It's definitelly a "glow up", but he didn't look bad at forst photo either. Except i would've given him 35-40 years, not 19...
#14
14-26 I’m Becoming More Comfortable With Myself Now, But I Still Have A Lot Of Work Left To Do. Learning To Love Myself Has Been Hard, But I Like The Person I’m Becoming
I'm a makeup addict 5 years ago
tbh in the first one he looks like a fun guy, and in the 2nd one, still fun, but older.
Canadian in Cornwall 5 years ago
yeah, ginger hair and braces, you must have had a rough time. You look great now !
#15
15 To 27. Was Bullied A Lot
David K 5 years ago
She looked lovely at the age of 15. People who bully someone are just hiding the fact that themselves are missing something and such display of their behavior makes them in fact look ridiculous and weak (which they however do not realize until after few years, sometimes never).
Jennifer Tomforde 5 years ago
Pretty girl before. There was no need to change the look. However, if the new look makes her happy then it was a good choice
#16
19 To 23
Raine Soo 5 years ago
I think that you looked fine in the before photo, just that your clothes were a bit frumpy, and aged you.
Anne 5 years ago
unplanned picture vs planned picture will do that. I agree she looks fine in both
Load More Replies...
#17
(15-31) Got Mildly Better At Grooming Over The Years
#18
Grades 2,4 & 6 To Age 27 And 28
#19
17 To 22
Zophra 5 years ago
I would feel more comfortable with talking to the person in the 1st picture... not trying so hard with the bare chest, muscles displayed, rugged beard, leather necklace, looking downward, artfully messed hair...
Aski Markup 5 years ago
Is it just me, but I hate that way of posing for the camera in the second picture?
#20
Always Dreamed Of Owning A Motorbike, Made It Happen 14 Years Later And Had A Glow Up Along The Way [14-28]
![Always Dreamed Of Owning A Motorbike, Made It Happen 14 Years Later And Had A Glow Up Along The Way [14-28]](https://static.boredpanda.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/008-5fe04c827893c__700.jpg "Always Dreamed Of Owning A Motorbike, Made It Happen 14 Years Later And Had A Glow Up Along The Way [14-28]")
#21
18-26: I Finally Figured Out What To Do With My Hands!
Aamna Shah 5 years ago
I love this transformation. She was pretty even before but her discomfort with her own image is evident in the first picture. In the second picture, there is not a trace of nervousness. Her confidence shines through and that's beautiful. I love the confident pose and smile. Plus, I also love the dress. Simple and elegant.
#22
My Body And Style Have Changed From 12 To 30, But I Still Listen To An Embarrassing Amount Of Brand New
Jade Lynn - Panda's Brat 5 years ago
Back in the day when we plucked our eyebrows way too thin!
Claire (she / They ) 5 years ago
Why can't you guys just let her be confident. She just got fit nothing else and for you guys to think you know everything about her and comment on her body is awful
Kay Dalzell 4 years ago
I have a loved one with an eating disorder and that woman definitely has a eating disorder. Wow!
#23
13 To 26. For The First Time In My Life I Feel At Peace With Myself
Anita Marx 5 years ago
Feeling the peace inside is always the best thing! No matter what you look like.
#24
2010 (18) vs. 2020 (28)
Eglė Bukauskaitė 4 years ago
Bad pozing -> better posing and composition. You looked fine before too :)
Louis Ahlgren 5 years ago
Too much makeup on the second picture. I think it's sad that some people think more is more/better.
Batman_Lover 5 years ago
That's rude. She's beautiful already. There's no work to be done. She's beautiful
Load More Replies... #25
May, 2019 To Me Just Yesterday. Lost 65lbs This Year Since February
Charlie Anderson 5 years ago
Sorry but the second one looks slightly edited. Please don't downvote, it is just my honest opinion.
#26
Freshman Year - 6th Year Senior
#27
From Senior Year Of High School, To Senior Year Of College
Luisa Vasconcelos 5 years ago
The transformation is not always about loosing kgs or get a bad boy face, many times the transformation its inside. He feels much better now then then and this is a real transformation.
Load More Replies... #28
17 To 26 - I Kept That Bob For 7 Years Unfortunately. Got Lasik, Cleared Up The Acne And Gained Confidence
JonathanK 5 years ago
What looks 'less natural' about the second? Woman's killing it.
Load More Replies... Mewton’s Third Paw 5 years ago
I love the bob (and glasses) tbh. But the newer hair is amazing so I see why she prefers it.
#29
(17-22) To Be Fair, I Did Have A Great Time Fishing
Minerva Mcgonagall 5 years ago
looked fine before, looks like he's trying too hard to look "cool" in the second one.
Máté Jancsek 5 years ago
If this guy believes, he looked ugly in any way in the first photo, then the problem is not in his body, but his self-esteem
Batman_Lover 5 years ago
He grew stubble on his chin and hair on top of his hair. What else changed? I'm genuinely confused about it.
Neva Nevičica 5 years ago
If he was a girl, this would be called fishing for compliments, i guess.
Load More Replies...
Dre Mosley 5 years ago
So he grew some stubble and his hair changed slightly. Not sure why this one qualifies.
#30
15yr Old To 26yr Old. I Used To Cut My Hair Short So I Looked Like A Guy And Food Was My Comfort Blanket
#31
12-22.got Contacts, Learned How To Do Makeup And Hair And Maintaining A Healthier Weight
Kathryn Baylis 5 years ago
Some of us are late bloomers, but once everything finally comes together! We are set. You will look so much better than the “beauties” at your 10 year reunion. And your 20th. And all the rest. They all peaked at 18. You, on the other hand, have already had one, and will continue to have a long series of other peaks throughout your life.
Luisa Vasconcelos 5 years ago
I Like the little points on your face. Never understood why people who have cover with makeup. You have a beautiful natural beauty.
#33
Found Some Photos From The 8th Grade. 2010 vs. 2020
#34
Middle School Was Sooo Hard To Me. Nobody Had A Crush On Me. I Wasn't Even At The Bottom Of The "Hottest Girls" List. Now... Well, Things Have Changed A Bit. No Surgery, Just A Resounding Puberty
BisexualCelebrity 5 years ago
you were cuter in Middle school than I am..... I don't see anything wrong with it
#35
(21-30) Eight Years Ago, I Met A Girl At A College Party Who Would Become My Girlfriend After Reconnecting With Her Over Ig Six Months Ago. The Picture On The Left Is The Only Evidence We Have Of That Night. Right Is At A Friends Wedding This Past September. Now Featuring: Better Hairstyle Choices!
Marianne Contrino 5 years ago
I almost want to downvote this one, because they both looked great in the before. I didn't, but was tempted.
#36
Just Puberty. 12 To 18
#37
4 Years Is A Mighty Long Time
#38
23m Lmao
#40
Me At 14 vs. 19
#42
Age 13 To 22
Batman_Lover 5 years ago
This is just me being stupid, so don't down vote this because it's just what I thought when I first looked at it, but does anyone else get hippie vibes from the first picture
Stannous Flouride 5 years ago
Looks like a costume/fancy dress party outfit.
Load More Replies...
#43
Age 16-18, 96 Lbs Down And Finally Coming Out Of My Shell A Little Bit
Zoe's Mom 5 years ago
I was thinking the very same thing so not sure why you were down-voted.
Load More Replies... #44
17 (L) To 30 (R). Ditched The Long Hair, Got More Stylish Glasses, Grew A Beard (Thank God). Don't Know Why The Huge Difference In My Skin Tone... Perhaps Due To Poor Lighting In The Pic On The Left?
#46
17, Followed By Acne + Accutane By 18 But I Made It To 27
Anita Marx 5 years ago
Yes, this haircut. Now it's this 90th boy group style ... Be brave, try more.
Load More Replies... #47
Happy With My 5 Month Progress, Feeling A Lot Better About Myself
#48
14-19
#50
Top I Was 13 Bottom Is 21, 8 Years Can Really Make A Difference
#51
13-28 Still Ugly But Learned To Hide It Better
#52
8-18; I Was The Awkwardest, Nerdiest Kid. Well I Guess Nothing's Changed
Caged Beer 5 years ago
Awkward and nerdy? You looked a delightful child, now a lovely young woman.
#53
18-27. Slight Change And Lots Of Confidence Later
#56
17/18 Versus 20. I Got Told I Was Ugly A Lot When I Was Younger... Comments Seem To Have Changed, So... I Hope I Qualify
Orichinals 5 years ago
Original you were and original you are still, I love both. Be who you are and you end up happy and original.
Luisa Vasconcelos 5 years ago
Don't know who's the idiot who called you ugly but you was not ugly.
#57
13 vs. 18 Years Old... I Feel Like There Is Some Improvement!
Add New Image
What do you think ?
Eirik Johnsbråten 5 years ago
Again with this labelling of "this is ugly" and "this is beautiful". Can we please stop feeding this?
Loki’s Lil Butter Knife 5 years ago
The title of this thread really rubs me the wrong way-- can we please stop with the whole "ugly duckling" turning into a "gorgeous swan" metaphor. The only people that are truly ugly are those who are rotten to the core inside. Being a teenager was hard enough before social media, but now I feel bad for teens who constantly feel pressured to "glow-up" and post their glow-up online.
Helen Haley 5 years ago
So many articles focusing on outside improvements, not enough focusing on improving your insides. Can't self acceptance and love be encouraged, without the extreme body makeover edition?
Kitten 5 years ago
Not sure why this is down voted. This is such a shallow article, you can be the most beautiful person on the planet and still be unhappy. Beauty fades. Absolutely nothing outside ourselves can bring lasting happiness. Love is the answer.
Load More Replies...
Xandra, The Little Hufflepuff 5 years ago (edited)
This pic was yesterday on my 18th birthday, I had a major glowup after getting rid of toxic "friends" who tore down my self esteem, to build up their own. I finally found a true friend, who treated me like I was human, and did random kind things. I am so grateful to her. But I started wearing the things I wanted to wear, and my smiles have gotten more genuine. I am much happier, and have more confidence now (that bag is a giant bag of popcorn my friends gave me, I am obsessed with popcorn). The second picture was taken 2 years ago when I was 16, all I can say is if someone makes you feel terrible, don't be afraid to drop them, they don't deserve being friends with you, if all they will do is tear you down. Also, I found a place for me! Theatre!!!!!!!!! I love being in theatre, and will one day be on broadway!!!!!!!!!!!! Acting brings me such joy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! edit, not sure what happened but I accidentally deleted the pics
Claire Al Mandhry 5 years ago
Does seem to be, hey I was heavy, now I'm not, I'm a better human being somehow.....🙃
Load More Replies...
Miguel justino C 5 years ago
Some are just wholesome progressions. So if we’re focused on being positive analyzing ones looks is just fine. If negative your a jerk and shouldn’t look at people that way. It does get confusing.
Terry Reauxper 5 years ago
This is a ridiculous effort for people to post their "felt cute. Might delete later" pics for everyone to say "oooooooooo! You're so beautiful " to the poster. This is just incredibly shallow and pitiful..
you_see_davis _ 5 years ago
i dont really care about the article but can we stop taking things from reddit?
Eirik Johnsbråten 5 years ago
Again with this labelling of "this is ugly" and "this is beautiful". Can we please stop feeding this?
Loki’s Lil Butter Knife 5 years ago
The title of this thread really rubs me the wrong way-- can we please stop with the whole "ugly duckling" turning into a "gorgeous swan" metaphor. The only people that are truly ugly are those who are rotten to the core inside. Being a teenager was hard enough before social media, but now I feel bad for teens who constantly feel pressured to "glow-up" and post their glow-up online.
Helen Haley 5 years ago
So many articles focusing on outside improvements, not enough focusing on improving your insides. Can't self acceptance and love be encouraged, without the extreme body makeover edition?
Kitten 5 years ago
Not sure why this is down voted. This is such a shallow article, you can be the most beautiful person on the planet and still be unhappy. Beauty fades. Absolutely nothing outside ourselves can bring lasting happiness. Love is the answer.
Load More Replies... Xandra, The Little Hufflepuff 5 years ago (edited)
This pic was yesterday on my 18th birthday, I had a major glowup after getting rid of toxic "friends" who tore down my self esteem, to build up their own. I finally found a true friend, who treated me like I was human, and did random kind things. I am so grateful to her. But I started wearing the things I wanted to wear, and my smiles have gotten more genuine. I am much happier, and have more confidence now (that bag is a giant bag of popcorn my friends gave me, I am obsessed with popcorn). The second picture was taken 2 years ago when I was 16, all I can say is if someone makes you feel terrible, don't be afraid to drop them, they don't deserve being friends with you, if all they will do is tear you down. Also, I found a place for me! Theatre!!!!!!!!! I love being in theatre, and will one day be on broadway!!!!!!!!!!!! Acting brings me such joy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! edit, not sure what happened but I accidentally deleted the pics
Claire Al Mandhry 5 years ago
Does seem to be, hey I was heavy, now I'm not, I'm a better human being somehow.....🙃
Load More Replies... Miguel justino C 5 years ago
Some are just wholesome progressions. So if we’re focused on being positive analyzing ones looks is just fine. If negative your a jerk and shouldn’t look at people that way. It does get confusing.
Terry Reauxper 5 years ago
This is a ridiculous effort for people to post their "felt cute. Might delete later" pics for everyone to say "oooooooooo! You're so beautiful " to the poster. This is just incredibly shallow and pitiful..
you_see_davis _ 5 years ago
i dont really care about the article but can we stop taking things from reddit?
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