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50 Times “Ugly Ducklings” Underwent Incredible Transformations And Stole The Show At Reunions (New Pics)
How we think we look has some bearing on our self-image (sounds like common sense, I know) but what’s often lost is that we can actually take steps to change what we don’t like and improve what we do like. But, like most things worth doing, this can take time and improvements might seem small and insignificant in the short term unless you actually take a moment to document things.
The “Ugly Duckling” internet group is dedicated to sharing people’s most impressive and wholesome glow-up photos. So get comfortable as you scroll through, upvote your favorites and be sure to share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
16-20. Does This Count?
Multa Nocte 6 months ago
Woof! That guy is a real looker.Can't let my husband see this comment. ;-)
Sylvia Baker 6 months ago
You were always good looking sweetheart... you lost weight and feel better about yourself. win win
Mrs Wuschwusch 6 months ago
It sure a heck does💚 I try never to judge a book by its cover, but heck yes
RELATED:
#2
27-35 After O***id A**iction And Prison
David 6 months ago
illegal narcotics do that to a person. These are the type of pictures they should show to kids to scare them off of the stuff
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Pamela LaPierre 6 months ago
The real problem is that that not allowed to say O****D A*******N when it's one of the most obvious & devastating issues effecting our country right now !!!
#3
12 - 24 Even My Family Doesn't Recognize Me These Days, It's Nice
The term "glow-up" refers to a dramatic transformation of one's look, self-esteem, or life in general, most times, in a positive and encouraging way. Though most commonly associated with physical change, such as improved skin, improving one's wardrobe, or losing weight, the concept of a glow-up has evolved to include personal growth, emotional enhancement, and even professional success.
The word entered fashion in the 2010s, specifically among young online communities, and is now a standard fixture of online culture. In essence, a glow-up is all about transformation. It is usually used to describe the move from child or teenager to adult, when one has more control over how they present themselves, their health, and general wellbeing.
#4
36>26
I am extremely proud of how much I have grown and changed as a person. The greatest gift you can give yourself is to love yourself enough to live.
#5
15 —> 37
Got sober this year after almost two decades of heavy drinking, subsequently dropped a lot of weight and started taking better care of myself in general; Ive been earnestly feeling myself for the first time ever. The girl in the first few pictures was so sensitive and wonderful and wanted to be so many things when she was older. I’d like to think I’ve done her proud.
#6
26 vs. 28. Can’t Wait To See What Next Year Brings! 🥹
However, glow-ups can come later in life, and are not limited to any specific age or phase. An individual can "glow up" after a break-up, through a diet regimen, or with enhanced mental health. The process might involve changing eating habits, exercise, skin care regimen, sense of style, make-up skills, or even therapy and nutrition. The unifying thread is transformation, generally framed as a kind of resurrection or fulfillment of potential.
#7
2 Years Sober From O***ids (Healthier And Willing To Live Finally) 29m
Anagram margana 6 months ago
Congratulations - you already look like you’ll do great things in life.
CatLover 6 months ago
I appreciate what you’re saying, but grats? Is congratulations or even congrats too long now? Why are words being shortened to the most they possibly can be these days? It’s getting ridiculous. Again, I know you’re trying to be nice, but I just think people are getting too lazy these days. Not just you in particular, but anyone who says ridiculously short words.
Load More Replies... #8
19-25! Got Treatment For My Autoimmune Issues And Developed Love For Cool Makeup!
setsuriseikou 6 months ago (edited)
Being bullied by your own body is no joke, congrats for finding a working treatment! And those are some pro-level makeup skills!
Michelle Plummer 5 months ago
Perfect description! I have lupus, and my body blames everything on me! Lol
Load More Replies... #9
18 To 27, Can’t Believe This Is Only A 9 Year Difference! From Beginning Of College And Hating Myself To Nearly Done With Law School And Kinda Think I’m Pretty Damn Awesome :)
sfgothgirl 5 months ago
Only 9 years? When you're 18, 9 is half your life. When you're 27, 9 is 33% of your life
Glow-up material on the internet has gone viral, driven primarily by the visual and storytelling pull of social media sites like TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, and even Twitter. There are millions of threads that include before-and-after pictures or videos, usually set to motivational songs, which create a satisfying before-and-after tale of self-reinvention.
#10
From 12 And Crippled To 416 Pounds At 36 To 208lbs At 37!
Literally half the man I used to be! Only took 10 1/2 months. Still working on it! Lost first 50 by just changing my diet to proteins. Nuts, deli meats, grilled chicken, white rice, cheeses, crackers, quit soda, quit drinking, quit sugar. That gained me entry into the gastric bypass program because before I changed my diet I went into complete renal kidney failure.
...so I entered the Gastric Bypass program and at the first meeting they give you a checklist of 16 things you have to learn and be able to display and I'd already had 13 checked off. I lost so much weight so fast they were afraid if made myself anemic and anorexic...the whole point of the surgery is NOT eating as much plus ya physically CANT eat more than 3 bites afterwards.
I started to say...gross excess skin. So for the first time in my life, I joined a gym this year and to my surprise? I DID get addicted to it!
So if I can. PLEEEEEEASE BELIEVE in both me AND yourself...you CAN do it. Even if you're doing it out of your periphery, it's still better than the nothing you WERE doing yesterday!
Paulina 6 months ago
I really like that motto at the end. It helps me get through the days in my depression! It may be a small thing you did today, but it's still a lot better than nothing from yesterday. It also taught me to appreciate small successes, and see my actions at successes. Loading a dishwasher or taking a shower might seem like nothing to most of the people. But to me they are a success, my achievement of the day, because the very possible alternative is that I would do nothing, literally.
#11
14 -> 22 Never Thought I’d Be A Model 😭
antoinette maldari 6 months ago
One entry is a guy that had bypass surgery, does that count?
Load More Replies... #12
Another Little Update From [21] To [22]. 6’4 330lbs -> 185lbs
Some of the videos are over-the-top and emotionally intense, depicting internal struggles and the work involved in change. Others are sarcastic and lighthearted, using glow-up "challenges" or trends that prompt users to share their own betterment over some period of time, e.g., "From 2016 to Now" or "High School Me vs. Now."
#13
29 To 32. 80 Lbs Lighter. But Still Gotta Shave!
#14
22 To 32 – Late Bloomer To Say The Least, But I'm Finally Happy With My Looks
Marnie 6 months ago (edited)
Nothing wrong with him "before". It was just a candidate and not super flattering picture. If you couldn't tell he was a good-looking guy in the before picture, then how can you see it in the after? It's the same face. (Before is better. Long hair is better. Mustache without a beard is always p o r n-tastic.)
#15
16 To 24!! Feeling Amazing
Mel in Georgia 6 months ago
She had a great smile before and after, but now it's with confidence!
It's why glow-up content is so well-liked: its aspirational value and relatability. The majority of the audience identifies their own weaknesses in the "before" and idealizes their own "after." Such content is very motivational, it presents proof that change is attainable, oftentimes by the simplest or actionable steps like drinking more water, dressing more confidently, or adopting a new habit.
#16
15 To 22! Still Working On Confidence
Damned_Cat 6 months ago
The first pic is not a good one and I strongly suspect this is just a case of "homely girl removes her nerdy glasses, takes down her ponytail and suddenly she's beautiful"
Ellen Pavesi 6 months ago
If I put my glasses I would look like a nerd too, she was never ugly
#17
24 - 27
#18
Me (16) -> Me (18) Current
Glow-up posts and stories are usually tutorials in themselves, taking the consumer step by step through skincare regimens, wardrobe updates, or productivity habits. Influencers and everyday users both share their tips, building a self-help community.
#19
17-21
Mel in Georgia 6 months ago
My out-of-shape daughter joined the Army and after boot camp the difference was incredible! She lost weight, got stronger and actually stood up straight!
#20
Severely Bullied From The Ages Of 11-14. Now Cute 💁♀️
CatLover 6 months ago
Not to be pedantic, but actually ‘blond’ is used for males, and ‘blonde’ is used for females. I agree with your comment, though!
Load More Replies... #21
Me And My Little Brother, 13 & 18 / 23 & 28
However, the glow-up trend is not criticism-proof. Some argue that it can reinforce unflattering beauty ideals or force people into conformity with beauty ideals based on weight loss, Eurocentric facial features, or expensive beauty routines. The focus on looks, especially in "glow-up" montages, has the side effect of suggesting that the value is tied up with how traditionally attractive one appears. There is also concern that highly edited or posed content sets out unrealistic expectations, which causes viewers to compare themselves with filtered or selectively presented versions of other individuals' lives.
#22
16-21
#23
14 & 26. My Teeth Straightened Themselves! I Was Bullied A Lot.
Cathleen Cummings 6 months ago
You were still a cute kid, who would bully that face? Sorry you had to go through that.
Auntriarch 6 months ago (edited)
I'll tell you who; people who were even more insecure than OP - even if they looked "better"
Load More Replies... #24
15→22!
I’ve spent so many years hating myself, I’m finally to a point where I’m a little happier with my appearance. 🥹 Many posts here inspired me!
In the midst of all this angst, though, glow-up culture endures in large part because it touches on something exceedingly human: the desire to change and be seen as our best selves. In an era of social media, where identity and image are curated and shared online, a glow-up can symbolize more than a makeover, it's a seal of survival, of growth, and of potential rebirth. Both authentic and performative, the glow-up phenomenon speaks to our collective interest in change, and the faith that, through effort and passage of time, anyone can become better.
#25
20yr Old Me vs. 35yr Old Me. What A Difference 60lbs Can Make
Mel in Georgia 6 months ago
When my son graduated high school he was soooo skinny. Then he joined MMA and I couldn't believe how much he bulked up. Now he's a married family man with a normal dad bod. Looked good every way!
#26
18 - 32 Grew Up Weird And Nerdy. Started Working Out And It Changed My Life! :)
featherytoad 6 months ago (edited)
Holy $hit. There is nothing different except the clothes and glasses. I can't believe how that can make such a difference
Auntriarch 6 months ago (edited)
Right, apparently if you take off your glasses you suddenly become fanciable... But Miss Jones, you're beautiful! Shït I thought we got rid of this crãp years ago
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#27
17 To 23: How Far Some Self Care Can Take You :)
#28
19 To 30 (Homeless vs. Decent Life)
LakotaWolf (she/her) 6 months ago
From OP on Reddit: "Had chronic health issues from the stress. Was completely broke for most of it. Getting a job was crushingly hard, then had to break the cycle of low quality work, and train myself from scratch to get better prospects. Had no model of healthy relationships in my life, so initially had terrible ones, and then had to worm out of that pattern and do massive amounts of self work. There is still work to be done, but I think I am close to being in an above average position in life now. A few more years of work and I will be coasting."
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#29
380lbs At 36, 167lbs At 38
#30
Then And Now. From 2018 With 3 Years Of Hard Work And 2 Years Maintaining 💪
Fire Singer 6 months ago
Well done for maintaining. That's, in my opinion, the hardest part of weight loss. Not many people (myself included) know how hard that maintenance is! So bravo for you OP! Bravo!
#31
12 To 21, Didn't Even Try To Change - It Just Happened :)
Auntriarch 6 months ago (edited)
Yup, that's what confidence does. You haven't actually changed.
#33
18-32. Went From Hating And Neglecting Myself To Loving And Nurturing Myself. Took A Long Time But I'm Glad To Be Here!
#34
18 ---> 30
Pre t1d diagnosis and treatment----> post
Evan Connolly 2 months ago
Of course use an acronym that people have to look up. (Type 1 Diabetes).
#35
24 To 31. Forever Grateful To My Younger Self For Making The Decisions That Made Me What I Am Now
#36
13 To 27. Good Things Take Time
LakotaWolf (she/her) 6 months ago
She's in an indoors bedroom with little/no lighting in the first photo, and appears to be in a more open restaurant(?) in the second photo, with perhaps a lot of windows and natural lighting. She states on Reddit that she did not lighten her skin.
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#37
20-21. Got Sober And Lost Some Weight
#38
Oh This Sub Was Made For Me 😂 12 To 24
Auntriarch 6 months ago
No, this sub wasn't made for you, because you really are lovely in both. And you need to appreciate 12 year old you.
#39
27 To 34
LakotaWolf (she/her) 6 months ago
"So quickly"? The two photos are 7 years apart XD
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#41
18 To 25
Went from almost 150 lbs to 110ish, cut all my fried hair off and grew it out, and then learned how to do makeup. I don't have many pictures from back then because I was bullied and so self-conscious, I never thought I'd ever actually like my appearance. It's amazing what 7 years can do to your confidence!
sandii wendel 6 months ago
She is pretty with the makeup and you can tell she would be pretty without. However, ugly comments just make you ugly. Do better!
featherytoad 6 months ago (edited)
@Marnie, that is not a lot of makeup. It's nicely done. A lot of makeup would be all those The Real Housewives Of...... and the wannabes, or the Kardashiens
#42
22-25
#43
From 23-27 Feeling More Like Myself Than Ever 🥹
#44
M 18-22
#45
Middle School (Age 12) —> Senior Year Graduation Photo (Age 18) —> Now (Age 21)
I’m honestly just posting for an ego boost right now, I don’t use much traditional social media (insta, facebook, snap, etc.) or else I’d post there. But I feel pretty good about my weight and appearance now especially after reconstructive eye surgery.
Fire Singer 6 months ago
My favorite part of all of these transformations is seeing the happiness it's brought them. That means more than anything else.
Boredest Panda 6 months ago
EXACTLY! They are happy, let them be happy. They don’t need a “you could’ve done this” or a “you looked better before”. Let them be happy. Let them be confident. The truth is, nobody asked! If they feel better now, good for them!
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#46
15 -> 32 😂✨
#47
Age 13 vs. 38
Auntriarch 6 months ago
Guess what, you can be lovely at 13 and 38! I'm going to get cross in a minute.
#48
16 - 23
#49
13 vs. 15 vs. 18
#50
18-24 (Almost 25)
Went to emdr therapy to help with some childhood trauma, and it helped my chronic anxiety. left a toxic job and lost some weight, finally gained some self worth.
happier than i have been since i was 14 :) mental health is everything! last few pics are me from the past 4-5 months!
#52
9/10-32
I was very sick as a child, I had my lymph nodes and adenoids removed when I was 2 due to a serious infection from ear surgeries. Grew up depressed and anxious. It took awhile but I found my light!
#53
25-30-35 And 42 These Days. Some Changes In Hairstyle, Makeup And Working Out Gave Me Confidence
#54
17 Yrs Old To 23 Yrs Old
MalayDragon 6 months ago
Diet and a well put together workout routine, Don't be so negative and quick to assume the worst.
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#55
13 To 16 To 24. High School Was Rough
Fuhleeheece 6 months ago
Some people peaked in high school and are now on the downhill slide. Your trajectory is upward! Congrats!
#56
18–>24 Started Taking Care Of Myself And Figured Out My Style:)
Auntriarch 6 months ago (edited)
Good for you! I was 40 before I figured out my style. Never too late though
#58
16 To 33 I Grew Eyeballs!
Auntriarch 6 months ago
I love those little tiny pillows under the eyes, makes you look good humoured
#61
18 To 47 To 55
Anja Henriksen 2 months ago
If I didn't knew better I would have thought you were related to Michael Shannon
Kyra Noelle 6 months ago
Wait the middle one is 47 and the last one is 55? You look younger in the far right one.
#62
13 vs. 21
Will post a longer comparison next year! I'm on a weight loss journey right now but still crazy how different I look now!
I've had nothing done but considering plastic surgery when my frontal lobe develops perhaps haha
#63
15-16-25
#67
26 vs. 37
#68
15➡️23
#69
21/31
Yes that’s a spray tan and yes I’m still that pale without (I don’t sun tan)😂
#70
17 vs. 32
People always ask me why I straighten my hair. THIS IS WHY.
#71
20 To 37
Dog Mom to Zoe 6 months ago
Not sure about the after on this one but holy smokes, she does look BAD@$$.
#72
8>16>18>44…..to Be Fair, We Did Not Have Youtube Makeup/Skincare Tutorials In The 90’s 😂
#73
Me At 9 vs. Me At 27
Kevin Warren 6 months ago (edited)
Comparing ages 9 to 27 seems a bit silly! Looks great in both ❤️
karen snyder 6 months ago (edited)
I see a serious triumph over trauma. It's hard to grow up with visible scars from some horrible event in your life. People won't let you move past it; it's the first thing they want to know about you. This person didn't let that define them. I wish I could up-vote this story all the way to the top. Amazing perseverance and confidence. Keep doing you, stallion.
#75
15 To Now (20)! I Look So Different
#76
LOL 14 / 30
Lowrider 56 6 months ago
I'm sorry if I offend anyone, im not trying to, but women with a lot of tattoos is extra attractive.
#77
15-20
ILoveMySon 6 months ago
It looks like the second are contacts? Different colors.
Load More Replies... MalayDragon 6 months ago
Is the image on the right flipped, or did they change the piercing to the other side?
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What do you think ?
Gabrielle Martin 6 months ago
How about a piece on people changed for the better on the inside? Like what made a bully stop bullying? What made a racist realize how wrong they were? Etc.
Rick Murray 6 months ago
I was a cute (but very annoying) child and now I'm a much calmer slightly podgy middle-aged fart. I think I might have done this a bit årse backwards. 🤷🏻♀️
Doctor Strange 6 months ago
Always remember the moral of the Ugly Duckling: it doesn't matter if you are physically unnattractive now, as long as you grow up to be physically attractive later
Ms.GB 6 months ago (edited)
Yeah I get the ones where people worked really hard to get in shape and get healthy or got off d***s but that's what we should be congratulating them for. It should be congratulations for overcoming your a*******n or adopting a healthy lifestyle not congratulations you're appearance is now socially acceptable.
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Natalia 6 months ago
Why are you so negative? Does it make you feel better about yourself?
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Gabrielle Martin 6 months ago
How about a piece on people changed for the better on the inside? Like what made a bully stop bullying? What made a racist realize how wrong they were? Etc.
Rick Murray 6 months ago
I was a cute (but very annoying) child and now I'm a much calmer slightly podgy middle-aged fart. I think I might have done this a bit årse backwards. 🤷🏻♀️
Doctor Strange 6 months ago
Always remember the moral of the Ugly Duckling: it doesn't matter if you are physically unnattractive now, as long as you grow up to be physically attractive later
Ms.GB 6 months ago (edited)
Yeah I get the ones where people worked really hard to get in shape and get healthy or got off d***s but that's what we should be congratulating them for. It should be congratulations for overcoming your a*******n or adopting a healthy lifestyle not congratulations you're appearance is now socially acceptable.
Load More Replies... Natalia 6 months ago
Why are you so negative? Does it make you feel better about yourself?
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