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Bored Panda

Donata Ruzgaitė

85 Before And After Pics That Prove A Hair Makeover Can Really Change Your Entire Appearance

Bored Panda

If you’ve ever had a drastic but amazing hair transformation, you’ll know how refreshing it can be. You walk out feeling like a brand new you, full of spunk and confidence. It’s almost like a literal weight has been lifted off your shoulders. Hairdressers really don’t get enough credit for their contribution to humanity. They’re like miracle workers, plastic surgeons, therapists and artists all rolled into one. The tributes that have poured in this week for late celebrity stylist Jesus Guerrero bear testament to just how much some clients cherish the keepers of their locks. And how a hairdresser can quickly and easily become a true friend.

In a nod to the incredible hairdressers out there, people have been sharing their before and after hair transformation photos online. And all we can say is “Wow!” From a “life-changing” shag cut, to a “mama makeover”, lots of big chops, and some clever and creative color, stylists out there have been doing the most.

Bored Panda has put together a compilation of our favorite radical hair transformations. And some might have you heading to the salon a lot sooner than you expected. We also spoke to Ronel van Vollenhoven, founder and Master Stylist of At Stylar to get some insight into the do's and don'ts of drastic hair makeovers.

#1 Those Peachy Tones Are Gorgeous

Image credits: belinda_lee_mills

Ronel van Vollenhoven is no stranger to drastic hair transformations. She's the founder and Master Stylist of At Stylar. Her 28-year career has taken her across the Caribbean, Mexico, the United States, Canada, Europe, and Asia. Van Vollenhoven has had the honor of making loads of people feel brand new.

"Clients usually seek drastic makeovers when they are going through something major in their life, like a breakup, career changes, new beginnings, simply wanting a confidence boost or when there’s a change in season, many from winter to summer. Some also feel stuck in a style rut and crave something fresh and exciting," she told Bored Panda during our chat. "I also find clients wanting a change when they reach big milestones in age, like 30, 40 and 50 years."

#2 Spent Over 2 Years Growing My Hair. Donated It In 13 Inch Locks In My Daughter’s Name. Feels Good

Image credits: KungPowChicken23

#3 Big Chop ( After Growing Out Japanese Straight) Feedback On Cut Wanted

Image credits: Fine_Marsupial590

According to the expert, it's not always the right time to go big or go home when it comes to your hair. "I would advise against a drastic transformation if someone is going through a highly emotional period. A drastic change might not be the best decision," she cautioned.

"Also, if their hair is already damaged or compromised, extreme color changes or major cuts might not be advisable until their hair is healthier. It is, however, important that the client is one hundred percent sure and ready of the change."

#4 Is It A Pixie? Is It A Baby Mullet? Couldn't Tell You, All I Know Is That It's Super Cute

Image credits: miamihairmel

#5 After 14 Years I Finally Chopped It Off. Goodbye 42 Inches

Image credits: NixisTM

#6 My Husband Donated His Hair

My husband donated 17 inches of his hair to The Little Princess Trust.

Image credits: General_Answer_9913

Your hair is your crown, says van Vollenhoven. "It plays such an important role in a person's confidence levels. I’d recommend waiting till the next hair visit before making that change, as a drastic change can either boost or break one’s confidence."

The stylist says people should also practice caution when it comes to color. Don't overdo it. "For permanent color, every 6 to 8 weeks is ideal, for grey coverage, every 3 to 4 weeks is ideal," she advises. "If using bleach, stretching touch-ups to 8 to 12 weeks helps minimize damage, but should not exceed 12 weeks." She adds that deep conditioning treatments between sessions will help maintain hair health and shine.

#7 I Did The Big Chop & Went Ginger! I Love It, What Do We Think?

Image credits: ThatKozmicHistory

#8 The Perfect Tone For November

Image credits: glamourbycee

#9 I Was Scared, But I Did The Big Chop And Actually Love It. Just Not Ready For All The Upkeep

Image credits: reddit.com

When it comes to cutting, van Vollenhoven suggests people visit the salon, on average, every 6 to 8 weeks for short styles to maintain shape, and every 10 to 12 weeks for longer hair to keep it healthy and prevent split ends. "Regular trims help maintain style and prevent hair from splitting and breaking," she says.

The stylist says there isn't a particular favorite cut among her clients, and she's always ready to do just about anything. "I am fortunate to get a wide variety of different lengths of cuts, from a long-layered style to a pixie cut or a textured bob even mullets in different lengths," she told Bored Panda.

"The most important is that the cuts should be flattering on most face shapes, low-maintenance, and offer versatility for styling. Many clients want something that looks effortlessly chic but still manageable."

#10 "Wanna Be Blonde Meant To Be Redhead"

Image credits: shearsandsass

#11 Omg Guys You Absolutely Have To Check Out This Before And After Transformation

Image credits: hairbyjasminekara

#12 Calico Hair

Image credits: savmurphyhair

We've heard some nightmare stories about hair makeovers gone wrong, and van Vollenhoven says it's always best to consult an experienced and trusted stylist. When your transformation involves color, she warns that the biggest risks are severe dryness, breakage, and uneven color.

"Dark hair requires multiple bleaching sessions to reach platinum, which can strip hair of moisture and weaken its structure. When lightened too fast you can be left with brassy," she reveals. "It is important to follow your stylist’s professional guidance and the use of intensive hair care treatments are crucial to prevent excessive damage as well as to maintain the color."

#13 Goodbye For Now Besties

Got my first hair cut since I was a junior in high school, before that I was 11 for my last haircut. I’m 28 now. 💀 surprisingly not as sad as I thought I’d be.

Image credits: sameezyy

#14 I Cut 13 Inches Off But Its Still Long And I Feel Amazing :)

Image credits: star_pwr

#15 I Gave Myself A Shag Haircut Today!

Image credits: RandomRedditUser1337

There are plenty of ways to change your look, even when you're too nervous to cut or color your hair. The expert suggests hair extensions and wigs as a fantastic, damage-free way to experiment with different styles, lengths, and color.

"Clip-in, tape-in or slim weft extensions can add instant volume and length without the commitment of cutting your hair, while colored extensions let you try bold shades without bleach or dye," van Vollenhoven told us.

#16 Colour Correction!! It’s Been Some Time Between Corrections This Big. It Is Hard To See In The Before Picture But The Client Is Naturally A Dark Auburn And Wanted To Match Her Mids And Ends As Close As Possible. Results Speak For Themselves

Image credits: the_littlehairroom

#17 This Stunning Transformation Features A Vibrant Fuchsia-Toned Purple Balayage, Blending Rich Hues For A Bold Yet Dimensional Look

Image credits: artisanhaircary

#18 I Absolutely Love Bouncy Blowouts! Before And After On This Beauty

Image credits: kristina_colors_

While you're plucking up the courage to visit the salon for your extreme makeover, why not try out some temporary styles without any risk? And you'll be spoilt for choice, says the expert stylist.

"Wigs offer even more versatility, allowing you to switch up your look daily. If you’re considering bangs, a faux fringe piece can help you test the style before making the cut," she explained. "These options let you have fun with your hair while keeping it healthy and chemical-free—perfect for those who love change but want to avoid potential damage!"

#19 The Sweetest Before And After

Image credits: torrie.hart.hair

#20 Awesome Donation Chop To Kick Off Pride Month!

Image credits: cutsbycassandra

#21 Same Hair, Same Day. Say What?

Image credits: hairbychenoaa

There are, of course, other benefits to visiting a hair salon besides the obvious... A 2023 survey of over a thousand salon-goers revealed that 1 in 3 Americans view their stylist as a therapist.

39% of those polled even reported discussing some topics with their stylist that they wouldn’t feel comfortable discussing with family or friends. “This may suggest that salon-goers view their stylists as supportive, non-judgemental allies in their lives,” noted the report. And it seems the relationship is reciprocal. 86% of people polled revealed that their stylist has shared personal information with them.

#22 Curls, Curls, Curls! It’s The Word On The Street At The Moment! It’s Surprising How Many Of Us Have Natural Curls. Looking Around The Salons, At Least Half Of Us Have Naturally Curly Hair. How About You?

Image credits: oscarandco_

#23 Beautiful Zuhra And Her New Hairstyle

Image credits: senad_image

#24 Another One Successfully Brought To The Copper Side

Image credits: artistrybybrie

Brooke Jordan is the co-founder of The Bird House salon in Brooklyn, New York. When asked why she thinks clients and hairdressers get on so well, she had this to say. “I think a lot of it is just that we are in a business of people. We're building relationships. If I see someone, it's not in my nature to think that I'll see them never again. It's like, ‘You're my person that I take care of now.’"

And we'd like to say 'thank you' to our stylists for having our backs and our heads. And taking such good care of us, both in and out of the chair.