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30 Times People Went Through “Ugly Duckling” Transformations And Shared Their Results To Inspire Others
Interview
About four years ago, an internet trend known as the "10-Year Challenge" took social media platforms by storm. This challenge involved people sharing two photographs of themselves side by side, showcasing their transformation over a decade.
Recently, a Twitter user by the name of 'Wandering Hedonist' took to the said platform to share his own over a decade-long transformation, from 2011 to 2023 to be exact. His caption humorously invited others to show their aging process akin to 'fine wine'. This post rapidly gained traction then, amassing nearly 800,000 views in just a matter of days. Moreover, the trend caught on as other users in the thread enthusiastically began sharing their own 'before and after' transformations too!
More info: twitter.com
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#1
2011 vs. 2023
Tyranamar Seuss 2 years ago
Yes. Is this like when the hot librarian takes her glasses off and now she's officially hot? Like no one noticed she was hot before?
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Bored Panda recently had the opportunity to reach out and interview the previously mentioned user 'Wandering Hedonist' (or as he likes to call himself - Edgar), who is known for his viral Twitter thread and for his gastronomy channel called "Bars, Breakfasts & Flex". As a global gastronomy enthusiast, his platform on Telegram highlights the best breakfast spots and bars across the world.
When asked about his motivation to start this small challenge, he shared, "As someone who runs my own gastronomy channel ('Bars, Breakfasts & Flex'), I've always been all about sharing experiences and connecting with people. Creating this challenge felt like another opportunity to do just that - share a personal journey and potentially inspire others in the process."
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#2
2011 vs. 2023
mooshoflove 2 years ago (edited)
Is this the same human? The noses seem very different.. although they do have a similar freckle on their right cheek... but I am just waking up, so maybe it's my perception...
Lianne Burwell 2 years ago
The after picture is way too beefy. A man with *that* much muscle is a bit of a red flag to me
Hanna Doraisingh 2 years ago
Pretty sure he just broke his nose at one point based on the hyperpigmented line on it. So I guess you could call that a nose job. I have a student who broke her nose this year and she has a line similar to this guy's .Also my husband has a beard with a similar cut. People think his jaw is square until they see an old picture of him without a beard but yeah doesn't look like the same person.
#3
2011 vs. 2023
Susan Teter 2 years ago (edited)
Dude...you won me at POOT!!! There is NOTHING more endearing than a man that has a soft spot in their heart for animals!!!
Edgar's caption in the tweet, 'aging like fine wine', captured the interest of many bird app users as some deemed it enough of a reason to join his challenge. In explaining the meaning behind this phrase, he told Bored Panda, "Just like a good wine that improves with age, I believe we as individuals also gain depth, character, and complexity over time. In the context of my work, I suppose it also has a cheeky gastronomical touch to it haha!"
#4
The Thread Author, 2011 vs. 2023
D. Pitbull 2 years ago
Tbh, if I had a glow up like that, I'd do it too - I mean... how often does genetics just suddenly go "Welp, guess we'll chisel your features now, ta-da!" - I mean... this is not "just weight loss". *Assuming* little to no artificial assistance (ie: braces? Okay. Full on implants/cut/nip/tuck/bone restructure? no.), even this person's nose seems to have gone under a change... and you can't just 'work off the weight' in cartilage.
Load More Replies... Tyranamar Seuss 2 years ago
Any other haircut would be an improvement. But I actually can't see the second pic. Just a tiny head in profile. Who knows how this one turned out?
Bridget AP 2 years ago
We wanna see up close pics, not the vague kind like people post on tinder. You can't see a glow up if it's only half your face 😑
Stephen Hutchison 2 years ago
Seriously, first pic isn't "ugly duckling" it's just "duckling" and second picture is NOT a swan. It's an audition to replace the "most interesting man in the world."
#5
2011 vs. 2023
Pickles, Pennies, & Ponies 2 years ago
I like how her eyes change color depending on what she is wearing.
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Mariele Scherzinger 2 years ago
A certain hair style can make all the difference in the world.
Partycat 2 years ago
Ah I've been there, long bangs don't fit all :c Her current hairstyle looks so much better <3
I’mSoEmotional 2 years ago
Looks like she was at a wedding in the fringe/bangs pic. So if there was a hairstylist there she/he/they may have decided on the braids. Plus styles change in 10 years too.
Load More Replies... Arturo De la Rosa 2 years ago
I mean yes, she is pretty, regardless, but don't suggest that she is comparable in both, credit to her, that new haircut accentuates her good looks a lot. Excellent choice and improvement.
As mentioned before, the thread initiated by 'Wandering Hedonist' (Edgar) drew numerous people across the world who were quickly starting to share their own transformations by quote-tweeting his initial post. In response to whether any transformations stood out, Edgar revealed, "Each transformation shared in the thread was unique and inspiring in its own way. Seeing people embrace their journey and openly share their growth was truly moving. I think we as people tend to become better as we age (not only appearance-wise)."
#6
2015 vs. 2023
Susie Evans 2 years ago
In the second picture her arms look wasted, like her muscles have atrophied.
Load More Replies... Mariele Scherzinger 2 years ago
Hm... different clothes in different situations. I'm unimpressed by the "transformation".
Laura Kaye 2 years ago
Sooo friend pic vs professional pic. Gee I wonder why they are so dissimilar
I’mSoEmotional 2 years ago
You can’t see her hair in left pic and she’s got glasses on. Not a transformation, just the difference from taking a pic right out of bed and one when you’re ready to go to the White House for a ball.
Stephen Hutchison 2 years ago
2015, picture taken in outdoors wearing glasses and warm clothes. 2023, photo taken indoors, black and white with dramatic lighting and pose, but I'd say, equally beautiful on close examination. Although it appears some photoshop may have been done to the second shot.
#7
2004 vs. 2023
meepmeep 2 years ago
I thought the same. Maybe it is 1904 and that's how good she looks 119 years later
Load More Replies... Partycat 2 years ago
Agree! She is cute on both pics. Just different style.
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I’mSoEmotional 2 years ago
Portraits taken at 3/4 angle tend to look better than straight on for almost everybody.
Stephen Hutchison 2 years ago
2004 was not a bathroom selfie. And it was on a camera with film.
When asked about how the success and reach of his tweet had affected his perspective of social media, he enthusiastically shared, "Absolutely, this experience has underscored the power of Twitter (and other socials) as a platform for connection. It has the ability to unite people around shared experiences, bridging geographic, cultural, and personal divides."
That being said, Pandas, we hope that this interview with Edgar shed some light on his passion for sharing not only his unique culinary experiences but also personal growth stories, as well as his belief in the power of social media to bring people together.
#8
2013 vs. 2023
Arturo De la Rosa 2 years ago (edited)
The hair is better, let's leave it at that.
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Susie Evans 2 years ago
She looks sweet in the first picture and but like she hates the world in the second and her looks processed to death, with red ends and black roots. It's in dire need of corrective treatment.
Hilary Mol 2 years ago
Absolutely sweet and beautiful in both. You look great in a button-down cardigan! And I'm loving the dimple.
Alex Freetime 2 years ago
Doesn't look different, she's still overweight, just different hairdo
Stephen Hutchison 2 years ago
"Duckling" in a dark room with bad photography and 10 years later, a much better framed picture with much better lighting and the hair she probably wished she had in the first shot.
#9
2011 vs. 2023
Arturo De la Rosa 2 years ago
tell me that is a photoshoot fail in the left. Otherwise that looks painful.
LadyHermit 2 years ago
2011 Liquify Photoshop tool. I would also suggest to all photomanipulators learning to use the Cloning tool, otherwise you end up with such atrocities. Some visual common sense would also help for a realistic forgery.
GadgetGirl 2 years ago (edited)
Waist is photoshopped in the first one. Curb in the background is curved there. So is the lamppost under her other arm.
Fussy1 2 years ago
Agree about the photoshop, but the 'lamppost' is her grey purse strap. You can see it over her shoulder as well, just blends in with her dress.
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Ashley Morgan 2 years ago
It's that Instagram "if-you-put-enough-makeup-on-and-use-ai-beauty-filters-even-dobby-could-be-hot" look
Stephanie 2 years ago
Yep, I peaked at 40 - not because I looked better at 40, but because I had learned how to look my best at 40. From that point on, though, there was nothing to be done.
Load More Replies... #10
2012 vs. 2023
#11
2011 vs. 2023
Yeet_girl360 2 years ago
I swear, dudes always have the most perfectly arched eyebrows. Most girls would kill for some brows like that.
Beverly Lodge 2 years ago
Just saying - some of us LOVE bald dudes - just shave it off buddy. So hot.
Fern 2 years ago
One of the most attractive men I've ever known was almost completely bald and also like 5'3". Embrace it, guys! The right woman for you will find it hot AF.
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Alex Freetime 2 years ago
Cut ALL the hair, you're gonna look 10 years younger! Why people don't get it?
Veen 2 years ago
He was probably already going bald and combed them to.the front lol
Load More Replies... #12
2018 vs. 2023
Arturo De la Rosa 2 years ago
This 2023 look is the same as the teens from when I was in middle school, circa 1999... why bring it back!!!
#13
2011 vs. 2022
#14
2011 vs. 2023
Hilary Mol 2 years ago
I love that he let the natural curl do its thing in the second photo. Trying to tame it, especially when it's that short, is generally a major frustration, and it looks so good on him as it is! :)
Arturo De la Rosa 2 years ago
Discovered instagram filters filters in the last 12 years I see... lol
#15
2016 vs. 2023
Rahul Pawa 2 years ago
I agree! I could totally see myself crushing on her if I knew her from the 2016 pic.
Load More Replies... ace pirates (she/they) 2 years ago
Excuse me, did you just call her an ugly duckling? She looks amazing!
AMR 2 years ago
I feel like some of these people are fully aware that they are mainstream beautiful in the before and after photos but are fishing for compliments.
saynogo 2 years ago
I was gonna say, I'd bet she's full aware she looks great in both.
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#16
2011 vs. 2023
Babs McGurk 2 years ago
I noticed that, too! If he's got Alan Rickman's voice in addition to that look, he's a keeper!
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the one dude who likes cheese 2 years ago
Why does He look like a cross between the awesome Keanu Reeves and the not awesome Ezra Miller? or is it just me?
AnnaPanda 2 years ago
Ezra Miller is awesome too, why do you say he's not?
Load More Replies... Stephen Hutchison 2 years ago
Picture showing 12 years passing, with a bit more aging than might be expected ... oh right cigarettes. Neither pic makes him look like an ugly duckling.
Laura Probst 2 years ago
Second pic reminds me of a cross between Alan Rickman and Adam Driver - in a very good way. 👍
#17
2001 vs. 2023
Li’l E. 2 years ago
Can someone explain the banner? Those aren’t a thing in my culture (west coast of the US).
I’mSoEmotional 2 years ago
I’m sorry but I hate it when people include their phone in a selfie. First , we know you are taking it in a mirror and that adds a little bit of narcissism to it. Just edit the phone out and keep any bathroom items out of the pic and it’ll look better.
Elizabeth Mills 2 years ago
I've been on enough dating sites to realize anytime a man doesn't show the toilet, it's a win!
Load More Replies... #18
2011 vs. 2023
Laura Probst 2 years ago
Nope, no ugly ducking here, either. Do people not understand the term?
Hilary Mol 2 years ago
Stunning in both photos. (Those cheekbones!) Anyone else seeing a younger David Bowie in the left photo?
#19
2011 vs. 2023
Marissa Camacho 2 years ago
I see he is still a carefree, footloose, fancy-free kinda guy in both... difference is....from city to country. Nice
Janet Howe 2 years ago
Do stupid things, win stupid prizes. Nice knowing he actually survived the stunt. At least he's found some common sense now.
LJ Robinson 2 years ago
What stunt? Kicking his leg in the air while holding a camera? My goodness!
Load More Replies... #20
2013 vs. 2023
Kathryn Baylis 2 years ago (edited)
Yes! Some of us are awkward in our teens. But when we grow up, things just kind of come together. We either lose baby fat or finally fill out, we stop following fads and start finding our own look, we develop confidence in ourselves which is something that always enhances the way we look, we start to understand that what’s on the inside has a lot to do with what’s the outside. We grow up and truly come into our own. Just compare people’s high school pictures to how they look at the 10th or 20th reunion, after they’ve finally gotten themselves together, and you’ll see what I mean. The caveat is for those whose looks peaked in their teens. Unless they take excellent care of themselves (I do NOT mean fillers and plastic surgery), it can all go downhill after graduation.
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Magnolia DJ Holmes 2 years ago
But....he wasn't "ugly" as a kid. I'm almost sure that a few girls had crushes on him based on his looks.
Sawce 2 years ago (edited)
There’s nothing wrong with shorts when it’s hot
Load More Replies... #21
2011 vs. 2023
Skylar Jaxx 2 years ago
For the person below im a woman and I agree so what would my opinion be??? I like 2011 wayyyyyyyy more.
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nunya beeswax 2 years ago
Could be slicked up. When I was younger my mom told me that some women (I guess her, before she lost hers) would brush their eyebrows up to make them look fuller I guess. I used water and did that to mine once and I looked like a clown lmao
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Kobe (she) 2 years ago
I like the short hair better, looks healthier and more fun. Make-up is better too, except for the eyebrows. But that is just styling - seems to be "a thing " now.
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Ashley Morgan 2 years ago
Really? >>I USED TO be a TEENAGE model...NOW I'm a Young Adult model.<<
Janet Howe 2 years ago
She's got great eyes, that show up much better in the second picture. And you can also see her great cheekbones without all that hair.
AnnaPanda 2 years ago
In the second picture. First looks plump and healthy
Load More Replies... #22
2012 vs. 2023
#23
2013 vs. 2023
Araminta 2 years ago
This one is just, without make up>with make up and more showy outfit.
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Lianne Burwell 2 years ago
The second picture is a little over-done. Something more natural (makeup and pose) would be much better.
AnnaPanda 2 years ago
Really? It's not appropriate for most places other than maybe a club or beach
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Gorilla guy 2 years ago
She has more faith in those buttons than I have in my mental stability
Sonte Brown 2 years ago
The second one is really pretty! It looks like she developed her own style more and is comfortable with herself, just radiating confidence! That's really admirable ❤️ She's beautiful either way she decides to present herself. Just as long as she's happy 😁
#24
2013 vs. 2023
#25
2011 vs. 2023
crowspectre (he/they) 2 years ago
Omg is this trans rep?? They look super masc in the 2nd one I'm sort of getting gender envy
Nancy Rémillard 2 years ago
Wishing she had better prop. Wait, did she become a man? Anywho, nothing wrong with either looks
Arturo De la Rosa 2 years ago
I like the 2011, maybe is the nostalgia or maybe is just the short haircut.
Sleepy_Theater_Bee 2 years ago
Freaking Hot!!!! (I say this respectfully as an AroAce human. I mean this with all the respect in the world, I think the vibes are immaculate and they are very aesthetically attractive)
#26
2011 vs. 2023
#27
2014 vs. 2023
Tricia Burcell 2 years ago (edited)
Most of these aren’t “ugly duckling” to swan transformations. It’s just how people liked different styles 10 years ago. Or were still kids 10 years ago.
#28
2009 vs. 2023
Shyla Bouche 2 years ago
Why didn't he wait until his hair was dry to take the second picture?
Heather Taylor 2 years ago
Starting to think the title should be "before and after gaining confidence " on the majority it seems to be the only marked difference
Lianne Burwell 2 years ago
At least he got rid of the facial piercings. The lip piercings don’t appeal at all.
#29
2012 vs. 2023
Hilary Mol 2 years ago
This woman has genes that every woman wishes for - she doesn't appear to age!
#30
2013 vs. 2023
#31
2011 vs. 2023
Gay child 2 years ago
Ur just scared cause she doesn’t fit to your standards of feminine, is it the short hair or the confidence that makes u uncomfortable?
Arturo De la Rosa 2 years ago (edited)
i think hetero men are bias, we do find long hair appealing/ attractive. I hadn't noticed the short hair i though she just had it up. and i was going to say that it makes her look older, as most people do with a more sleek look, maybe she should have done the looks reversed, since now she is actually older an maybe wanting to feel younger..
Load More Replies... #32
2010 vs. 2023
#33
2013 vs. 2023
Arturo De la Rosa 2 years ago (edited)
I would go back to the 2013 look TBH. It just softens up her features better. and short hair is hard to pull off. if i had to describe the 2023 pic in one word i would say: pointy
setsuriseikou 2 years ago
I do everything I can to make myself look less soft. It's hard to be a delicate girl in this world, much safer to appear pointy.
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#35
2011 vs. 2023
#36
2010 vs. 2023
#38
2016 vs. 2023
Arturo De la Rosa 2 years ago
Finally someone removes weird colors from their hair instead of adding them. 10/10 she looks like she means business now
#40
2012 vs. 2023
#41
2014 vs. 2023
#42
2012 vs. 2023
#43
2016 vs. 2023
Arturo De la Rosa 2 years ago
This looks backwards to me some how the look on the left feels more contemporary. weird
Crystal Kelley 2 years ago
You better be the absolute most gorgeous person on the planet
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#44
2017 vs. 2023
Arturo De la Rosa 2 years ago
Actually like the older look more, frames her face better. and it doesn't even look dated yet.
#45
2016 vs. 2023
Arturo De la Rosa 2 years ago (edited)
Funny enough this is not the first time that haircut has been in fashion, and it has never done any favors to anyone that i know of. XD God knows why it keeps coming back.
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Fat Harry 2 years ago
First one on the list where I think she looks worse now. Unhealthy skinny and awful haircut.
Channo Sagara 2 years ago
I'm sorry honey. Left is highschool crush. Right is some sort of junkie.
Lia is a platypus 2 years ago (edited)
I like the before haircut better tbh, but she looks pretty in both
Sandrapocalypse 2 years ago
Sorry, she looked better in the first pic! She looks ill in the second!
#46
2010 vs. 2023
Arturo De la Rosa 2 years ago
first one were Sawce is wrong, this is not worse, I mean she is older of course and time does what time does, but for a decade later this is impressive, also unlike many it seems she kept her style. refreshing.
#47
2007 vs. 2023
#48
2017 vs. 2023
Mia Black 2 years ago
Although I too wear read hair and dark clothes I like the first pic better.
#49
2011 vs. 2023
Arturo De la Rosa 2 years ago
I think in 10 years she will look at this and be able to see that 2023 was a weird year for her.
Hellebore 2 years ago
Like my grandma said « if you can’t say nice things, keep your mouth shut »
Load More Replies... #50
2011 vs. 2023
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CrazyKnitter 2 years ago
Agreed. Some were just bad photos, not ugly people.
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censorshipsucks 2 years ago
Guys it's just aesthetics. Some people are not attractive to some people, and some people find other things attractive. Aesthetics are relative. Go have a look at "The Luncheon on the Grass" by Manet and complain about 1800s beauty standards. Really, what is "beautiful" changes over time and over borders, and even between cities. If someone says a person looks better in the earlier photo, give them a break.
Trish 2 years ago
I'm sorry, I accidentally hit the downvote button. Totally unintentional.
Load More Replies... BakedKahuna 2 years ago
Wow, this thread was surprisingly disgusting! Not due to the content but due to the comments and mass punishment because someone dared to have an opinion. Yuck.
meepmeep 2 years ago
Um, went through and read the comments, and 90%+ are positive or neutral. Mostly that they look good in both photos or that they like the first one better. What comments were you reading?
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Anička 2 years ago
Sorry, like 90% of these were 'awkward teenager' to 'adult'. Is it a 'glow up' if you just, you know, GROW up?
C4N1N3T33TH 2 years ago
Yeah that's kind of what a glow up is, growing up into something you consider glowing for yourself
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Cheyanne Pavan 2 years ago
There are no ugly ducklings in this post. In fact, there are no ugly ducklings anywhere.
Tams21 2 years ago
I hate the term ugly duckling. This whole post is basically saying "wow, he/she used to be so ugly but look at them now".
CrazyKnitter 2 years ago
Agreed. Some were just bad photos, not ugly people.
Load More Replies... censorshipsucks 2 years ago
Guys it's just aesthetics. Some people are not attractive to some people, and some people find other things attractive. Aesthetics are relative. Go have a look at "The Luncheon on the Grass" by Manet and complain about 1800s beauty standards. Really, what is "beautiful" changes over time and over borders, and even between cities. If someone says a person looks better in the earlier photo, give them a break.
Trish 2 years ago
I'm sorry, I accidentally hit the downvote button. Totally unintentional.
Load More Replies... BakedKahuna 2 years ago
Wow, this thread was surprisingly disgusting! Not due to the content but due to the comments and mass punishment because someone dared to have an opinion. Yuck.
meepmeep 2 years ago
Um, went through and read the comments, and 90%+ are positive or neutral. Mostly that they look good in both photos or that they like the first one better. What comments were you reading?
Load More Replies... Anička 2 years ago
Sorry, like 90% of these were 'awkward teenager' to 'adult'. Is it a 'glow up' if you just, you know, GROW up?
C4N1N3T33TH 2 years ago
Yeah that's kind of what a glow up is, growing up into something you consider glowing for yourself
Load More Replies... Cheyanne Pavan 2 years ago
There are no ugly ducklings in this post. In fact, there are no ugly ducklings anywhere.
Tams21 2 years ago
I hate the term ugly duckling. This whole post is basically saying "wow, he/she used to be so ugly but look at them now".
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