A “glow up” refers to when someone undergoes a major transformation in their appearance and style, typically for the better. It’s often used to describe instances where an “average-looking” or “ugly duckling” person transforms into someone much more conventionally attractive over time. For girls and young women in particular, a glow up usually coincides with puberty and gaining more confidence in their looks and personal style. Some key signs that a girl has had a major glow up include changes in her hair, makeup, fashion sense, body, confidence and attitude.
Changes in Hair
One of the most noticeable signs of a glow up for girls is often a change in their hairstyle or hair color. Going from having frizzy, dull, or badly cut hair to having smooth, sleek, voluminous locks is a hallmark of a dramatic transformation. Some examples of hair changes that signify a glow up include:
- Growing hair out long from a short cut
- Getting bangs cut for the first time
- Going from brown to blonde
- Getting keratin or smoothing treatments to reduce frizz
- Going from outdated to trendy haircuts like long layers
- Learning how to style hair in loose curls or waves
- Adding highlights or balayage for dimension
- Growing out relaxed hair into a natural texture
Having shiny, healthy, well-styled hair is often one of the most striking indicators of a glow up that makes girls stand out from their former selves. It shows they are investing time and care into their appearance.
Enhanced Makeup Looks
Along with changes in hair, upgrades in makeup are a major part of a feminine glow up. Many girls go through middle or high school with little to no makeup skills. Learning how to expertly apply makeup to enhance her natural beauty is a rite of passage. Signs a girl has stepped up her makeup game include:
- Bolder eye makeup like winged liner and false lashes
- Contouring and highlighting for a sculpted effect
- Defining and filling in eyebrows
- Upgraded tools like quality brushes and palettes
- Discovering her best lip colors and formulas
- Perfecting a flawless base with foundation/concealer
- Using setting spray for long-lasting wear
- Following makeup trends on Instagram and YouTube
When a former “plain Jane” starts experimenting with makeup in all the right ways for her features, it shows a newfound confidence and willingness to put care into her beauty routine. The visibility of makeup artist skills brings attention to her eyes, lips and face shape.
Fashion and Style Upgrades
As girls develop their own sense of style during the teenage years, their fashion sense often reflects their glow up. Moving on from ill-fitting, juvenile or tomboyish clothes to more polished, womanly attire signifies stepping into their own. Changes in style that come with a glow up include:
- Transitioning from sweats and hoodies to well-fitted jeans and trendy tops
- Wearing heels and wedges to accentuate legs
- Carrying designer purses instead of backpacks
- Having clothes properly tailored for her body type
- Figuring out her color season for flattering palettes
- Upgrading jewelry from costume pieces to dainty gold and silver
- Trading baggy t-shirts for crop tops and form-fitting shirts
- Wearing dresses and skirts to show off legs/shape
A glow up wardrobe overhaul shows that a girl cares about her image and wants to use fashion to her advantage. She embraces new styles and pieces that complement her looks, instead of hiding herself in oversized, boyish fits.
Body Transformations
Glow ups often coincide with body changes as girls finish puberty. Whereas hormones previously made them feel awkward and unsure in their own skin, their figures settle into more womanly, confident shapes. Some physical transformations tied to glow ups:
- Losing baby fat in the face for defined cheekbones
- Slimming down and toning up from diet/exercise
- Filling out curves in the chest and hips
- Improving skin from acne treatments
- Getting in aligners or braces for straight teeth
- Growing a few inches taller
- Losing weight from an overweight figure
- Gaining healthy weight onto a skinny frame
As girls become young women, their bodies naturally change. A glow up highlights the ways they have grown into their looks and learned to showcase their physique assets with confidence.
Increased Confidence
At the core of any glow up is increased confidence. Even if a girl improves her looks dramatically, it will not seem like a true transformation unless she carries herself differently. Signs she has gained self-assurance include:
- Making steady eye contact
- Spearing confidently
- Standing/sitting with better posture
- Smiling and engaging more
- Wearing less baggy clothing
- Taking more risks and putting herself out there
- Not being afraid to be seen without makeup
- Having an expansive body language
- Appearing comfortable in her own skin
You can have the most gorgeous hair and makeup, but without glowing from within, it will not seem like a true transformation. Inner confidence brings out someone’s beauty in a way products cannot replicate.
Attitude Changes
As looks change, so too do attitudes. A huge glow up for girls coincides with emotional maturation and adopting a more positive mindset. Some shifts that come with increased confidence and self-love:
- Letting go of anger, jealousy or pettiness
- Being kinder and less judgmental toward others
- Caring less about other’s opinions
- Standing up for herself with tact
- Setting healthy boundaries
- Seeing herself as enough, flaws and all
- Shedding victim mentality
- Taking genuine pride in her accomplishments
- Owning her worth and demands respect
With self-esteem comes the ability to define yourself on your own terms. A positive attitude illuminates a girl’s glow up from the inside out.
Why Girls Have Glow Ups
There are many reasons a girl may undergo a dramatic transformation in her teens or twenties:
- Puberty evens the playing field – Changes from puberty make differences in early maturity less pronounced
- Trial and error – It takes testing many styles to discover what suits them best
- Resources – With age comes income, transportation and ability to buy makeup, clothing
- Inspiration – Social media exposes them to more beauty/fashion content
- Desire to fit in – Looking their best makes socializing less intimidating
- Confidence builds – As they grow into their looks, self-esteem increases
- Hormones stabilize – Changes settle down after puberty ends
- Self-care rituals form – Taking care of mental and physical health boosts attractiveness
Many influences converge to create the ideal conditions for girls to transform themselves from awkward caterpillars to beautiful butterflies. A glow up allows their inner light to shine through.
Signs a Girl is Glowing Up
Here are some clear signs a girl is going through a major glow up:
- Getting complimented on appearance frequently
- Being asked out more/approached romantically
- Feeling more comfortable in own skin
- Dressing to accentuate figure, not hide it
- Receiving increased attention from guys/girls
- Being told she looks like a model or celebrity
- Spending more time/money on hair, makeup and clothing
- Adopting a more polished, feminine style
- Practicing posing in photos
- Watching beauty/fashion tutorials
When a girl puts effort into her looks and confidence, those around her begin to take notice and praise her changes. Nothing confirms a transformation like outside validation.
How to Glow Up
For girls wanting to undergo their own transformation, here are some tips:
- Look up celebrities or influencers with your body/face shape for inspiration
- Figure out which makeup flatters you through trial and error or makeovers
- Determine your color season for clothing – spring, summer, autumn or winter
- Go through your closet and dresser to weed out styles that don’t suit you anymore
- Change your hair – grow it out, get layers, bangs or color for your complexion
- Work out and eat healthy to feel confident in your own body
- Watch YouTube tutorials on fashion, makeup and hairstyling
- Splurge on quality makeup brushes, palettes, hair products and accessories
- Get your eyebrows professionally shaped to frame your eyes
- Experiment with flattering selfie poses and angles
- Exude confidence even on off days – inner glow transcends products
With time, effort and a positive attitude, any girl can tap into her potential for an awe-inspiring transformation. A glow up allows inner and outer beauty to shine.
Conclusion
A glow up represents a complete metamorphosis in a girl’s looks and confidence. Hair, makeup, style, body, attitude and demeanor all converge to transform her from the caterpillar to butterfly stage of womanhood. While exact changes differ for each girl, the effects are similarly striking. With experimentation, self-care and fearlessly embracing her potential, any girl can discover her most captivating, radiant self. The experience is one of empowerment and self-actualization. For girls coming of age, that glow up glow is a rite of passage on the road to owning their beauty, style and womanhood unapologetically.