Growing up is hard work, especially if you are a teen.
Being a teenager means processing an overflow of conflicting emotions. Teens go through an “experimental phase” where they try out different things to curate the kind of person they want to become.
Some teens’ transformations are more pronounced than others. They project their innermost feelings through their appearance (which can get pretty outlandish). However, in the end, many outgrow this phase.
Here are 73 people who were once boxed in an image but have transformed into something unexpected:
Most likely, all of us did some very stupid things earlier in life. It is the way we upgrade ourselves and make a better person out of our past that matters. This guy found a way to learn code and work on a job he enjoys.
This woman was 15 when she told herself she won’t ever get married and have kids. 10 years later, she became a convenience store manager, a wife, and a mom to a 4-year-old.
This woman used to hate Britney Spears and made fun of anyone who loved to listen to the pop star’s song. Now that she’s grown more mature, she definitely admits to loving Britney Spears’ songs!
From a purple-haired goth to an emo to finally, a marketing consultant. Who would have thought, right? This one is definitely an interesting transformation.
Sometimes, meeting the love of your life happens when you are in a dark phase of your existence. And when you find your true love, you grow together in a positive way, just like how this couple changed for the better, together.
From studying to become a designer, this man has finally become one, and here’s a plus: he’s a father-to-be when his “after” photo was taken. Having your own family can help in changing a man’s style for the better.
If you think all tax consultants are into numbers and serious schooling even when they were still young, then you are sorely mistaken. Some tax consultants like this guy knew how to be rebellious and happy-go-lucky during their younger years, too!
Years may have passed and a person’s style may have generally changed, but the goth within still lives on for some people, only more subdued. This woman may have ditched her stockings, eyeliner, and huge hair, but her green-colored mane still shows that she is not done with standing out in a crowd.
Teens can resort to anything that will make them stand out and one of them could be body piercings. This lady had her share of facial piercings during her adolescent years but now that she’s grown up, she ditched her piercings, focused on web development and raising her children.
This woman knows just how much kids in the 9th grade are willing to go to try things out and be the “cool” kid. After experiencing the phase herself, she finally ended up being a 9th-grade teacher and guiding them so they won’t do the bad things she used to do just because she thought they were “cool”.
Experimenting with different hairstyles in his younger years has become a great training for this make-up artist and hairstylist. Now he knows the right way to do his and other people’s hair, and he earns money from it, too!
From a guy who seems to be angry at the world, this man learned to become responsible, not just for himself but for the family that he started. He is now a family man, and his wide smile just shows how happy he is!
From being an employee of Hot Topic, this guy decided to move to Chicago and is now earning as a bartender. After losing the wild hair, he absolutely looked more mature.
With green hair and green clothes, this woman definitely is a stand-out among the crowd. But, that was during her teen years. After a few years and learning code, this lady now lives as a tattooed model and a web developer. Still standing out, but without the green!
18. What 11 years and a Master’s degree will do to you
After 11 years and earning a Master’s degree in Geography, this guy has certainly came far. Now, he works as an analyst for the local government and does more with his time.
From a carefully made coiff and bangs that covers half his face, this guy transformed and went for sleek and shiny. Now, he’s every inch the tailor he has become.
Standing out can be done in a lot of ways, and teens who are in their rebellious phase are quite creative. This gal used to have purple hair and fake fangs. Now, she’s pursuing a degree in design!
22. When you learn that too much eyeliner is not necessarily pretty
Emo girls are often seen with too much eyeliner. But, when they eventually grow up, they learn that being pretty is not defined by how much eyeliner you put on.
This girl may have grown out of her emo years, but her love for outstanding hair color is still alive inside her. At least, her soft pink hair is better than her Fuschia bangs from years ago.
From wearing side bangs and hair that covers his face, this man learned that growing a beard is what he needed to look more mature. He’s a carpenter now, with a red beard and a manly aura.
Emo fashion is all about bringing that dark, sullen persona wherever you go. Luckily, for this smart woman, being emo was just a phase that she outgrew. She’s a double degree holder now and definitely a superwoman.
Some kids go for emo, some kids go for goth. Some kids, well, they just go with whatever they like and don’t really care about how they look at all. This lady used to be one of them. Luckily, she has learned to glam up and be the stylish dentist that she is now.
28. From wild-haired rebel to motivational speaker
You can never really judge a person based on their teen rebel years. Just like this guy who looked wild with his big hair, but ended up being a motivational speaker about goals in life!
Teen girls tend to be really mean and acting like they are prima donnas. This lady used to be one of those girls, but she grew up and learned to live a sweet life by becoming an award-winning baker!
This lady used to have a big emo hairstyle. After properly growing up, she finally realized that sleek and shiny is her thing, as she pursues an associate degree in Mortuary Science.
Having three children really helps in making a mature and responsible Mom out of an emo girl. This woman used to be an emo, now she’s just enjoying her life as a mom to three lovely children!
32. From only caring for herself to caring for others
This woman was once emo who is focused only on herself and her wants in life. Now that she is pursuing a degree in Nursing, she finally learned to reach out to others and be the caring nurse that she’s dreaming of.
This pouty girl with spiky hair, too much eyeliner and nude lipstick have grown to become a really responsible woman. She’s a mother now and cares for her family full-time.
After years of keeping huge bangs and an emo aura, this lady eventually grew up and found out her true calling. Her deep love for animals has encouraged her to become a veterinarian and is now in her second year in veterinary school.
She was comfortable in her simple, rebellious style. But, that was until she became and adult and found that fashion is something that she totally loves.
Who would have thought that a loner such as this emo guy will grow up to be an events planner? He has broken out of his shell and is making a remarkable moment out of every event in the golf course where he lives.
This woman used to be a Goth girl, complete with dark eyeliner, black outfit, and full bangs. Now, she’s a full-time mother and she’s loving every minute of it.
This girl is now a Biomechanics student and is determined to finish her education. Who would have thought that she used to have full bangs and lots of eyeliner?
From being a wild teen, this lady has grown to be a young professional who works at an NYC TV station. She looks even younger now, compared to when she was actually a teenager!
