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30 “Ugly Ducklings” Share Their Incredible Transformations Into Beautiful Swans (New Pics)
Everyone had their fair share of blunder years and whether we like it or not, there are still pieces of evidence hiding deep in the dusty shelves at your parents’ house. No one dares to touch it, and you’re not allowed to reclaim those photos.
But while people change, some change beyond recognition, pushing their genes, spirits and good looks up to the very max. Known as ‘ugly duckling’ transformations, these before and after photos serve as a testament to the beauty of change. And although it takes persistence and hard work, demands sacrifices and invites you into a battle with your inner demons, the final result seems worth it when you see people smile in their eyes.
So no, it’s not quite like growing out of your blunder years, it’s figuring out how to unite your inner and outer worlds and become the person who you really are. Psst! More inspiring posts on ugly ducklings-turned swans are waiting here, here and here.
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
32 vs. 37. 75 Lbs Lost, Picked Up A Skincare Routine, Brushed Up My Makeup Skills, Cut My Hair, Got Some Bangs, Still Working On Getting Some More Confidence You Can Glow Up At Any Age!
L.A. Trefry 4 years ago
Losing a bit of weight generally makes people look younger. But seriously, it's hard to compare a goofy, fun photo with a carefully composed, no-glasses, B/W shot.
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Theodore Theodora 4 years ago
Is it weirding anyone else out that all these "ugly duckling transformations" involve weight loss? I think there's a lot of fatphobia here--internalized as well as not. Please let's not use "glow-up" or "transformation" to be code for "lost weight." Becoming a swan is (imho) about feeling like yourself, being comfortable in your own skin, feeling a sense of agency and possibility--these things will make you look more "beautiful". (OP: You're gorgeous (in both) and as long as you're happy, it's all good. My comment is not about you personally.)
Doreen Peak 4 years ago
They are all winners as they have learned to love themselves and make the needed changes to make that happen...This woman's transformation has the most Wow factor
Paulo Leitao 10 months ago
its not any of those silly things like hair and makeup. its the weight loss. simple as.
RELATED:
#2
18 - 23 Went Through A Weightloss Journey And Learnt How To Look After And Groom Myself
#3
Me At 13 vs. Me At 27 Do I Belong Here?
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.
#4
Depressed, Lost, Demotivated Because Of Chronic Tinnitus And Hearing Loss, But I've Decided To Take Things In Hand And Make It Better, Here I Am After 4 Months Of Transformation Journey.. Still Got Miles To Go
Jennifer lackey 4 years ago
DAAAAMMNNNN. ..... YOU ARE LOOKING GREAT. I love how u said u were taking matters into ur hands, I wish I wouldve so many years ago.. I'm 62, & not to happy with my life. Pat ur self on the back my friend, GOOD U YOU ..
Bobert Robertson 4 years ago
It's never too late for a fresh start Jennifer! You can do it too
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sharron lynn parsons 4 years ago
Well worth it, didn't take too long, you didn't wait too long !!!
Alison Welles 4 years ago
Hearing loss can be SO frustrating and demoralizing. I hope you will find a great audiologist who will finesse what you still have, compensate for what you're missing, and help you keep coasting along on your impressive journey of self-restoration. KUDOS!!
Alison Welles 4 years ago
Hearing loss can be SO frustrating and demoralizing. Good for you for not letting it ruin your life. I encourage you to find a great audiologist who will help you finesse what you still have and keep you coasting along in your self-restoration journey. KUDOS!
#5
Me At 25, College Dropout, Living In My Car vs. Me At 33, About To Finish My Phd!
Aroace tiger (any pronouns) 4 years ago
I think its the lighting that "changed" the skin colour
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#6
Maybe Not As Drastic As Others Here, But I Feel Like I’ve Had A Bit Of A Glow Up (2012-Present)
Johanne Trudeau 4 years ago
A bit of glow up, you say!?!?!? Night and day as far as I'm concerned... Good job!!
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.
Moreover, those who have ever seen themselves as ugly ducklings can struggle to realize the power of their natural beauty. 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.
#7
First Picture 19f, Second One 22f, Third One 23f. Farewell To 4~ Years Of Depression And Excess Weight!
sharron lynn parsons 4 years ago
It's not easy, you deserve pat on the back, you were hiding, a lot of beauty !!!
#8
15 vs. 21
anarkzie 4 years ago
It's like a Hollywood move from the 80's, they take the glasses off and everything changes.
Auntriarch 4 years ago
I think we'll just keep quiet about the nose surgery
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Laura Dawson 4 years ago
I think she looks just a bit older. The first pic wasn’t flattering as it was taken outdoors & pretty terrible lighting that distorts the face. Second pic is indoors, golden hour with a filter, she looks pretty but it’s not a drastic change.
Scott Rackley 4 years ago
your eyes didn't change, best part about you, vibrant blue (you're pretty tho)
Ashley Wright 4 years ago
Your beautiful eyes were hidden behind those glasses. Glad you ditched them! 👓
Darla Middlebrook 4 years ago
In the age "15" picture, this duckling looks older than in the age 21 picture. Is this the same person??
#9
13 vs. 26 I Just Don't Know What To Say
Sarcastic Cow 4 years ago (edited)
You were a cute child back then! Now you´re a woman -that is completely different story.
Sur Mer 4 years ago
If we all say now that all people are beautiful, then this article is completely pointless. Allow them to feel more beautiful and satisfied after their "transformation". Many went through hard times before, even if you may not always see it in the before pictures.
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#10
10 To 20 To 30. Thank Goodness I Found Some Better Glasses & Stopped With The Rawr Hand
THE GREAT PAPYRUS 4 years ago
TO EVERYONE WHO SAYS SHE RUINED IT BECAUSE OF HER TATTOOS, SCREW YOU! ITS HER BODY, YOU DON’T PICK FOR HER.
Nothanks L. Walk 4 years ago
Always been a pretty girl by the looks of things. LOOOOVE the ink tho!
#11
19 To 23. Therapy And Excersice Certainly Made A Change Mentally And Physically. Still Struggling With Confidence And Selflove But All Good Things Take Time. Slow And Steady
Fact Perils 4 years ago
Actually, I agree. Even objectively she wasn't ugly before.
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Valentin Baldez 4 years ago
Little steps - one day at a time - you are doing great - keep it going!
Martha Higgins 4 years ago
Now learn to spell! More concentration on your brain and less on your looks will serve you better in the long run.
#12
13 To 29 - Puberty Helped Me Out
Xottel 4 years ago
Disagree. Your handsomeness was quite predictable (judging from that photo).
Rabbit Carrot 4 years ago
Always cute. The massive man shirt that makes your head look tiny in the younger pic was the only problem.
#13
Dropped 73lbs And Picked Up 65
#14
10,18, 29~ A Lot Has Changed Every Eight Years
#15
16-20 Been Battling With Self Hate And Depression For Years, 2020 Was The Year I Wanted To Look After Myself
Ashley Wright 4 years ago
“Self-hate,” why? I’m sorry to hear that. Glad you’re doing well now.
Denise Mclean 4 years ago
Don't know why you would hate yourself. You look fine in all of them.
Cathy Reynolds 4 years ago
Nothing to hate here. Our minds are powerful. We believe what we tell ourselves the most. Change the inner monologue over time. Good luck, you look awesome. Cute teenager, handsome man.
#16
When Puberty Hits You Like A Bus…
Rhonda Allen 4 years ago
I don’t believe there’s any dental appliance that a person wears full time that looks like that. It looks like something they use when you’re in the dentist chair having work done. Like X-rays or teeth whitening, etc. What is stretching your lips out like that supposed to correct? It would dehydrated and damage your gums.
Nothanks L. Walk 4 years ago
A carrying handle! How novel! The things they dream up, I love living in the future!
#17
18-28. It’s Been A Long Road
A B C 4 years ago
IMO bottom left looks best. The chin is sharper/more pointed (dunno how to say properly in English, any suggestions?), I like that more. I guess that's just personal opinion, but he certainly had a jump in attractiveness due to puberty doing its thing.
Ashley Wright 4 years ago
Life is a long road. Glad you made it through the darkest passage into the bright sunshine ☀️
Nothanks L. Walk 4 years ago
This is pretty much every Indian friend I ever had. Went to school in asia for eight years as a child, so there's been a few.
Scott Rackley 4 years ago
nah dude, you look good, on the bottom left trim up a little closer, up to the ear line, keep it at 1/16th (#1 guard on your trimmer). If you have a good jaw line show it.
Malwin Wellham 4 years ago
Been saving for those cool shades all my life. Getting to wear them, Priceless
Aski Markup 4 years ago
I always think, only the very lucky few escape a soul destroying puberty.
#18
12 To 20, A Lot Changed Along The Way, I’m Glad To Be Where I’m At Now
Stanley Judd 4 years ago
Be proud of your sexual orientation. we are all different in some beautiful way.
Lynne Harbison 4 years ago
I think that's him on the left...same nose, still Male.
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#19
13-26 Improved My Style Ever So Slightly
Laura Dawson 4 years ago
You look like a girl on 90 day fiancé she was Colts second wife. I can’t remember her name but she had an amazing accent & loved cats.
Onion rings like to make your breath smelly 4 years ago
This comment has been deleted.
Load More Replies... Nothanks L. Walk 4 years ago
I dunno hun, I really like that chair on you. The vertical stripes really-- oh HANG ON.
#20
18/19 vs. 21! One Of My Proudest Achievements
Teresa Groth 4 years ago
Beautiful, in fact I think that you now look pretty enough to be an actress, I also thought that your beauty in first pic was also beautiful!
Nothanks L. Walk 4 years ago
You look cute in both, but more importantly what are those AMAZING flowers called???
Paris Mitritsakis 4 years ago
OMG that picture is in an alley in chania,my home town!!! love you even more now. also,you were beautiful before and are beautiful now.glad YOU got to see it.
Steve Venianakis 4 years ago
The left photo looks like it was taken in my hometown, Chania in Crete
#21
(12, 19, 20) I Was Always Self Conscious About How I Looked
#22
13 To 30. Middle School Sucked
Crazy Meerkat Lady 2 years ago
Zuckerberg's time will come. He's a late bloomer okay
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Denise Mclean 4 years ago
The first one's bangs, but I do like the glasses better on the first one. The hair better on the second.
Cathy Reynolds 4 years ago
Maybe favored him in the young picture, but not at all in the second. Very nice looking man. Teen years are seldom a good look on anyone, still a work in progress. Zuckerberg never outgrew his teen years and apparently never will.
Christine M Quigley 4 years ago
Middle school sucks for most people- I always hated the concept..Yeah, let's put a bunch of hormonal preteens together for a few years, see how much self esteem we can destroy..I went to parochial school grades 1-8. then high school- skipped the whole nightmare..
#23
18 To 25
Sarcastic Cow 4 years ago (edited)
Left - Oscar Wilde, love it. Right - James Potter - definitely love it.
Nothanks L. Walk 4 years ago
Another change so drastic it verges on a sex change. Tuck in your shirt, though, for pity's sake James.
#24
17//20 I'm Happier And Healthier Now. Can't Believe That Was Me Tho
#25
Finally Let The Hair Curl. Did A Lot
Niki Norway 4 years ago
Okay, it's been about ten minutes now, I think it's time to stop staring at this picture.
Scott Rackley 4 years ago
take with a grain of salt, always; no offense but you'd look better with a goatee or no facial. You grew up nicely.
#26
12 And 26 - I Was Pretty Cool Back Then Tho
#27
Last Week vs. Today
Nothanks L. Walk 4 years ago
Honestly I made the same mistake. Didn't catch on how bad it was until my mother called me mohammed. You really look like a salafist on the left there, man. Deeeefinite improvement
Cathy Reynolds 4 years ago
Wow, so much better. So amazing what a shave and a haircut/style will do for someone.
#28
14 To 22.... I'll Never Forget How Much I Thought I Rocked That Bow
Fieke Engelen 4 years ago
It was just right for you at that age. You looked lovely then and still now
Ashley Wright 4 years ago
We all can look back at photos of ourselves and wonder, “What was I thinking??” 🎀
#29
12 - 23 Years - What A Wild Ride!
Kevin Donegan 4 years ago
Is it just me or did her stylist pick the wrong the color for her lipstick sample?
#30
Me At 12 vs. 30
Michael Rubery 4 years ago
What I love is that this young lady grew into her beauty...her face barely changed, but just blossomed!
Draxt Sclounce 4 years ago
The truth is that many people are never really accepting of themselves - always wanting to be someone or something else. The "before" pictures are young people who were unhappy because they didn't "fit in" and the "after" picture are older people who despised the younger one.
#31
12 And 15 vs. 32 Years Old. We All Have Potential, Don't Give Up!
Ashley Wright 4 years ago
Bet the now-grown up kids from middle school are thinking, “Wow!” #swan
#33
My Self-Portrait From 10th Grade Art Class To Me Now At 34. The Self-Portrait Is Actually Spot On
#34
16>19, From Short Asian Nerd To Tall Asian Nerd Except Now They Say I Look Like A Yakuza Npc. Weight Loss, Hairstyle Change, Skincare And Puberty I Guess
#36
Lost A Bit Of Weight And Gained A Bit Of Confidence From 17 To 19
#37
[17-21] Those Glasses Did Not Suit Me
![[17-21] Those Glasses Did Not Suit Me](https://static.boredpanda.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/before-after-ugly-duckling-transformation-9-60dae0d3807ee__700.jpg "[17-21] Those Glasses Did Not Suit Me")
#38
Time Really Does Fly [2017 - 2021]
![Time Really Does Fly [2017 - 2021]](https://static.boredpanda.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/before-after-ugly-duckling-transformation-10-60dae1424e707__700.jpg "Time Really Does Fly [2017 - 2021]")
Jennifer lackey 4 years ago
U look great, I'll bet if u grew ur hair out a bit and give it a tussle, it would be a good look for you.
#39
Super Weird, Don’t Know Why My Last Post Was Deleted! It’s Me! Ages 14-16 vs. 22 Years Old. I Realise I Look The Same Really Just Slimmer, More Confident And Less Awkward Poses. Very Late Bloomer
That Bored Panda 4 years ago
Same, I think she just learned how to hold herself confidently
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What do you think ?
1337 4 years ago
Exactly. Let kids be kids. We have enough of pressure down to young ages..
Load More Replies... COCO puff 4 years ago
why are people calling themselves "ugly ducklings" "ugly swans" "ugly" in general, its such a lack of empowerment. We are beautiful in every photo, in every stage of our lives. Come on people stop with the self-shaming!
Ozacoter 4 years ago
I agree. These posts only contribute to the general body shaming and preassure that people feel all the time. Its telling you that you are not good enough. That you are fat, not muscular, nor pretty enough. That you need x hair cut or style, you need makeup or surgery, you need expensive clothes.
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Kayla J 4 years ago
I always feel some sort of way when I read these as "Ugly Ducklings" and realize I never had one of these "glow ups".
Kristen Bellefeuille 3 years ago
Agreed, I feel I look just as awkward now aa when I was a kid, I have lost a bit of weight since then due to health issues but nothing this drastic
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Indra Servo 4 years ago
Moral of the story : "pretty people with bad haircut became pretty people with good haircut after visiting hairdresser"
Ozacoter 4 years ago
And after getting tons of makeup, surgery (like the guy with hair implants) and expensive clothing
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Annamagelic 4 years ago
Just about everyone goes through an awkward adolescent phase. Most of these before photos were just perfectly normal kids. You are not suposed to look like an adult at 14.
Zedrapazia 4 years ago
None of these people was ugly before their "glow up". They are all fine the way they were.
Not Proud British 4 years ago
I stopped looking halfway through. Some of these posts were absolutely fine beforehand and I felt by looking I was encouraging them to keep losing weight, keep starving themselves, keep getting work done. Some of those who have lost weight did not need to lose weight and now look far too skinny. I think these kinds of posts encourage people to think they need to change how they look to fit in. There is an unhealthy balance going on here and I would urge Bored Panda not to publish these posts.
Rita Shapiro 4 years ago
The trope here is mildly disturbing. "Making the outside match the inside".... as if someone who can't afford laser eye surgery or chin liposuction, or who doesn't have the luxury of many hours to spend pumping iron, must just be "ugly" on the inside (or at least internally unattractive) because they wear glasses or don't have a six pack or whatever. Our value and beauty aren't derived from cosmetic attributes, but you wouldn't know this given these examples.
1337 4 years ago
Exactly. Let kids be kids. We have enough of pressure down to young ages..
Load More Replies... COCO puff 4 years ago
why are people calling themselves "ugly ducklings" "ugly swans" "ugly" in general, its such a lack of empowerment. We are beautiful in every photo, in every stage of our lives. Come on people stop with the self-shaming!
Ozacoter 4 years ago
I agree. These posts only contribute to the general body shaming and preassure that people feel all the time. Its telling you that you are not good enough. That you are fat, not muscular, nor pretty enough. That you need x hair cut or style, you need makeup or surgery, you need expensive clothes.
Load More Replies... Kayla J 4 years ago
I always feel some sort of way when I read these as "Ugly Ducklings" and realize I never had one of these "glow ups".
Kristen Bellefeuille 3 years ago
Agreed, I feel I look just as awkward now aa when I was a kid, I have lost a bit of weight since then due to health issues but nothing this drastic
Load More Replies... Indra Servo 4 years ago
Moral of the story : "pretty people with bad haircut became pretty people with good haircut after visiting hairdresser"
Ozacoter 4 years ago
And after getting tons of makeup, surgery (like the guy with hair implants) and expensive clothing
Load More Replies... Annamagelic 4 years ago
Just about everyone goes through an awkward adolescent phase. Most of these before photos were just perfectly normal kids. You are not suposed to look like an adult at 14.
Zedrapazia 4 years ago
None of these people was ugly before their "glow up". They are all fine the way they were.
Not Proud British 4 years ago
I stopped looking halfway through. Some of these posts were absolutely fine beforehand and I felt by looking I was encouraging them to keep losing weight, keep starving themselves, keep getting work done. Some of those who have lost weight did not need to lose weight and now look far too skinny. I think these kinds of posts encourage people to think they need to change how they look to fit in. There is an unhealthy balance going on here and I would urge Bored Panda not to publish these posts.
Rita Shapiro 4 years ago
The trope here is mildly disturbing. "Making the outside match the inside".... as if someone who can't afford laser eye surgery or chin liposuction, or who doesn't have the luxury of many hours to spend pumping iron, must just be "ugly" on the inside (or at least internally unattractive) because they wear glasses or don't have a six pack or whatever. Our value and beauty aren't derived from cosmetic attributes, but you wouldn't know this given these examples.
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