50 Times People Went To The Hairdresser And Walked Out Looking Totally Different

It’s no secret that a drastic hairstyle change can leave you feeling like a brand new person. Whether you choose to chop off your long tresses, dye your hair a totally different color, or maybe try out braids, you’re bound to look a bit, or a lot, different. Some see a trip to the salon or barber as a form oftherapy. Others believe our hair carries memories, both good and bad. And that cutting it can help us heal. Whatever your beliefs, there’s no denying a greathair makeoverhas its benefits.

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Man in barbershop with a long beard and hair in top image, transformed into clean-cut style in bottom images.

“Every day I was trying to figure out why the stylists lift the hair when they cut and how they know where to lift it. So it became like an obsession to understand cutting but I didn’t consider changing my direction of studies,” he told Bored Panda during our interview. “After one year, I started to make some sense of it and I applied to work as an apprentice while I finished my university.”

He enrolled at London’s Sassoon Academy to learn more about precision cutting and hasn’t ever looked back. “The part of this job that excites me the most is understanding the client’s needs and challenges (regarding their hair) and then translating that into techniques and shapes that solve such challenges.”

He tells us in 2012, he followed the other love of his life, Safeera, and moved to Cape Town. Flo opened his firstExcentric Hairbranch in the city and has since incorporated a second salon, as well as a training academy.

Person with a daring haircut transformation, before and after, showcasing a bold change.

Man before and after daring haircut change; long dreads to short styled hair, smiling.

“I’ve worked with top salons, collaborated with designers, styled models for casting agencies, and competed in hair competitions,” says the founder and master stylist ofAt Stylar.

Van Vollenhoven joined Carlton Hair International in 2007. As part of the Creative Team, she had the opportunity to teach others the tricks of the trade and showcase her work internationally.

It was only years later, at the end of 2018, that she decided to take a leap of faith and open her own salon, At Stylar, in Cape Town,South Africa. It has a strong focus on sustainability and education, Van Vollenhoven tells us.

“My passion for learning and sharing knowledge continues to drive me. I believe in creating your own luck, choosing your path, and making the most of life with passion, belief, and love,” said the expert.

Man with a transformed haircut and beard; before and after comparison.

Before and after hair transformation showcasing a dramatic haircut change.

Man’s daring haircut transformation, before with long hair and after with a short style, both in casual settings.

For many people, a good haircut is about more than just getting rid of a few split ends or keeping their hair healthy. Some see it as a way to reinvent themselves, boost their self-esteem, bounce back from a breakup, or simply make a statement. Either way, a great haircut can help to make youfeel goodabout yourself. Even if only for a while.“I even notice a change in my dogs when they get their summer cuts: They’re friskier and livelier, feeling more themselves, once the weight of the hair is released,“wroteOprah Winfrey once.Both Flo and van Vollenhoven are leaders in their industry so we were thrilled to pick their brains about the do’s and don’ts of hair transformations. Flo believes anyone who is considering an extreme makeover should just go for it.“Otherwise they will always wonder how that look could’ve affected their life,” he explains. “So if you always wanted to be a redhead with a pixie hairstyle, go for it because the worst case scenario is that you don’t like it, but the color can be changed and the hair grows.”

“I even notice a change in my dogs when they get their summer cuts: They’re friskier and livelier, feeling more themselves, once the weight of the hair is released,“wroteOprah Winfrey once.

Both Flo and van Vollenhoven are leaders in their industry so we were thrilled to pick their brains about the do’s and don’ts of hair transformations. Flo believes anyone who is considering an extreme makeover should just go for it.

“Otherwise they will always wonder how that look could’ve affected their life,” he explains. “So if you always wanted to be a redhead with a pixie hairstyle, go for it because the worst case scenario is that you don’t like it, but the color can be changed and the hair grows.”

Before and after haircut transformation with flowers, showcasing a daring change to a short hairstyle.

Person with a drastic haircut change, showing vibrant rainbow-colored hair transformation.

Man transforms haircut, long hair to short modern style, excited with change.

Van Vollenhoven says there are a few things to keep in mind before making a drastic change. Step one, advises the stylist, is to define your goal.“What’s the reason for the change? A fresh start, a new job, a breakup, or just for fun? What’s your ideal look? Bring inspiration photos but stay open to professional advice,” she told Bored Panda, adding that if you’re unsure, start with a bold but less permanent change (e.g., a dramatic haircut instead of a full color transformation).

Van Vollenhoven says there are a few things to keep in mind before making a drastic change. Step one, advises the stylist, is to define your goal.

“What’s the reason for the change? A fresh start, a new job, a breakup, or just for fun? What’s your ideal look? Bring inspiration photos but stay open to professional advice,” she told Bored Panda, adding that if you’re unsure, start with a bold but less permanent change (e.g., a dramatic haircut instead of a full color transformation).

I Did It!!

Before and after images of a daring haircut change to vibrant pink with floral accents.

Woman smiling in before and after photos, showcasing complete haircut change.

The expert adds that it’s important to consider your lifestyle and how easy or difficult the maintenance of your new hair will be. Bold changes often require upkeep, she cautions. “If you’re going from long to short or dark to light, be prepared for styling and care adjustments. Are you ready for regular salon visits?“Trust the process, says van Vollenhoven. “Extreme changes might take multiple sessions (especially for drastic color shifts). Healthy hair is the number 1 priority. Rushing can lead to damage.“The expert says a makeover should highlight your best features and suit your personality. Her advice in that regard is “Enhance, don’t just change.” You could consider a wardrobe refresh or makeup update to complement your new look.Finally, van Vollenhoven wants the brand-new you to embrace the transformation. “Confidence is key, rock your new style with attitude!”

Trust the process, says van Vollenhoven. “Extreme changes might take multiple sessions (especially for drastic color shifts). Healthy hair is the number 1 priority. Rushing can lead to damage.”

The expert says a makeover should highlight your best features and suit your personality. Her advice in that regard is “Enhance, don’t just change.” You could consider a wardrobe refresh or makeup update to complement your new look.

Finally, van Vollenhoven wants the brand-new you to embrace the transformation. “Confidence is key, rock your new style with attitude!”

Before and after transformation of a woman’s haircut, showcasing her new shorter style.

Man with a complete haircut change, before and after transformation.

Before and after haircut transformation; woman with glasses changes from long to short hairstyle.

In terms of hair trends this year, Flo reveals that “glass” hair is where it’s at. “Shiny and silky hair, moving away from the waves styling to the sleek straight look,” he told us.

Woman with a bold hair makeover, from long hair to a stylish bob haircut, showcasing a stunning transformation.

Before and after images of a woman who changed her haircut, showcasing a dramatic transformation with glasses.

Woman shows haircut transformation; from blonde to brunette in styled photos.

Van Vollenhoven agrees. “Current hair trends are all about healthy, glossy, and luxurious-looking hair,” she says. “Whether you’re rocking a French bob, a modern mullet, or long, flowing layers, the key is choosing a style that complements your hair type, texture, facial features, and most importantly your lifestyle. Curls are a big hit as well and we love it!”

When it comes to color, van Vollenhoven says the hottest shades right now are mocha mousse, old money blonde, vixen red, and platinum, offering a mix of timeless elegance and bold sophistication.

Woman with long dark hair before and short curly haircut after, showing a daring hairstyle change.

Person with new haircut transformation from light blonde to dark brown, showcasing a fresh hairstyle change.

Haircut transformation from long, faded ombre to vibrant, rainbow bob hairstyle.

You don’t always have to be drastic to achieve a new look. There are quickotherways to transform your hair if you want a change but haven’t plucked up the courage to “go big or go home.“Adding a fringe or bangs is one option. “This will change up your hairstyle, giving it a youthful, fun and edgy vibe that looks great with almost any hairstyle,”saythe experts at John Anthony Salons in the U.K. “There are so many different fringes to try such as blunt fringes, micro fringes, side-swept fringes, curly fringes, curtain bangs and more.”

You don’t always have to be drastic to achieve a new look. There are quickotherways to transform your hair if you want a change but haven’t plucked up the courage to “go big or go home.”

Adding a fringe or bangs is one option. “This will change up your hairstyle, giving it a youthful, fun and edgy vibe that looks great with almost any hairstyle,”saythe experts at John Anthony Salons in the U.K. “There are so many different fringes to try such as blunt fringes, micro fringes, side-swept fringes, curly fringes, curtain bangs and more.”

Woman showing dramatic haircut change from long to short.

Before and after haircut transformation showcasing a dramatic change.

Person with long hair before and short haircut after, showcasing a complete haircut transformation.

Before and after haircut transformation, showcasing a complete hairstyle change.

Before and after haircut transformation with a man smiling, showcasing a dramatic change in hairstyle.

Woman with long brown hair before and short blonde hair after, showcasing a daring haircut change.

An even faster way to achieve a dramatic transformation is to wear a wig. Celebrities do it all the time and they’re not afraid to say so.Accordingto US Weekly, Chrissy Teigen, Katy Perry, Cardi B, and the Kardashians are just a few of the stars who’ve openly flaunted their love of wigs.Sometimes it might even be the safer option. Keira Knightley revealed in 2016 that constantly dying her hair for different roles had taken a toll on her locks, and left her with major damage.“It got so bad that my hair literally began to fall out of my head!” she isquotedas saying at the time. “So for the past five years I’ve used wigs, which is the greatest thing that’s ever happened to my hair.“If you do decide to dramatically transform your natural hair, both Flo and van Vollenhoven agree that proper at-home hair care is essential for preserving color and maintaining healthy, shiny hair. Ask your stylist to recommend some products, and invest in them.

Sometimes it might even be the safer option. Keira Knightley revealed in 2016 that constantly dying her hair for different roles had taken a toll on her locks, and left her with major damage.

“It got so bad that my hair literally began to fall out of my head!” she isquotedas saying at the time. “So for the past five years I’ve used wigs, which is the greatest thing that’s ever happened to my hair.”

If you do decide to dramatically transform your natural hair, both Flo and van Vollenhoven agree that proper at-home hair care is essential for preserving color and maintaining healthy, shiny hair. Ask your stylist to recommend some products, and invest in them.

Long to short haircut transformation, with a wavy bob style in a blue shirt.

Before and after images of a woman with a dramatic haircut change, showcasing her hair transformation.

Before and after photos of a woman who changed her haircut completely to a vibrant red bob style.

Woman shows off a dramatic haircut change from long hair to a short bob style in a bathroom mirror selfie.

Woman with tattoos before and after daring haircut change, wearing gray tank top, in a warm setting.

Dramatic haircut transformation from long black hair to vibrant red curls.

Before and after haircut transformation showcasing a dramatic change and new look.

Was scared I couldn’t pull off short hair, but I’m obsessed!

Woman shows off a dramatic haircut transformation in a locker room mirror selfie.

Person with long hair transformation to a short haircut, smiling in both before and after photos.

Before and after photos of a woman who changed her haircut from long to a bob style.

Man with changed haircut, from curly to buzz cut, standing outdoors with a serious expression.