Dramatic Celeb Transformations That Are Still Hard To Believe

It's virtually impossible to go through the process of life without experiencing some sort of recognizable change. As a millennial, and 27-year old woman, I can definitively say that where I was six years ago is not at all where I am today — headbands and college-style binge drinking included (sorry, Mom!). One of the few things that has transitioned with me into adulthood is my love of Pokemon, with the sudden resurrection of the game in Pokemon Go.

Transformation is a right of passage — a period of growth that is inevitable and mind boggling at the same time. Experiencing our own individual changes can often be one of the most challenging, and painful experiences of our lives, and, sadly, aren't always for the better. Conversely, life moments that force us to grow can be beautiful, and help us find our paths and purposes in life. While change isn't always butterflies and rainbows, it is bound to happen sometime, and the majority of celebrities can attest to that. The main difference between our personal transformations and that of a celeb is that we have the privilege of changing sans cameras and the public eye, which I, for one, think is way better. I can't imagine having my first adolescent mistakes splashed across Page Six.

Although transforming while the world is watching may be traumatizing for some celebs, their ups and downs can often be inspirational, or total red flags for us. Who can forget about the time Britney Spears randomly shaved her head and went completely ballistic on the paps? In the same vein, we'll never forget when Britney reclaimed her status as pop star royalty, and slayed her 2016 VMA performance. I'll always be rooting for you, Brit.

Ahead, check out 10 stars in particular who stand out from the rest for making total physical or emotional transformations over the years.

Justin Bieber started out as the adorable child star we all fell in love with, under the master tutelage of Usher, with hits like "Baby," and "One Less Lonely Girl." The effortless flow of his famous bowl cut was immaculate. His sincere eyes pierced our hearts, and he seemed to have the voice of an angel. Bieber had most teenage girls (and a few grown women) in the palm of his hand, and sold out concerts at every turn.

As he slowly gained more stardom and spotlight, Bieber eventually spun out of control, making the transition from teenage heartthrob, to being convicted of DUI and other intense charges over the years. After these events, many people were convinced that his career was over for good. Happily, Bieber has prevailed, making a personal transition once again, and leaving his bad boy antics behind. He now attends Hillsong Church, a popular place of worship among other celebrities in the industry, under the guidance of Pastor Carl Lentz. Bieber has also regained the interest and popularity of fans old and new through new music hits like, "Sorry," and "Where Are U Now?" I'm super curious to find out how he will continue to evolve personally and musically.

Although the youngest of the Kardashian/Jenner clan, at 19, Kylie Jenner has completely secured her place as one of the most influential businesswomen to stem from the family. With a successful cosmetics line and upcoming clothing empire in tow, Jenner is well on her way to breaking the internet through her Kylie Cosmetics line, just like her sister Kim did with her Paper Magazine cover.

Emerging from her older sister's shadows and becoming a coveted star in her own right, Jenner is now the most viewed person on Snapchat, and has a habit of selling out of newly released products faster than you can pronounce her full name. Although there was much controversy surrounding whether or not she had received lip injections, as well as the Kylie Jenner Lip Challenge that was started after young people tried to modify the fullness of their lips via shot glass, she turned the negativity around and created her own cosmetics line. With plenty of millennials clamouring to be just like her, and following virtually every move she makes, it's easy to see that Jenner is forging her own empire one lip kit at a time.

Originally known first for her recurring role on The Simple Life, Nicole Richie has become very grounded in her womanhood and her maturity — these days, she's a mother and businesswoman. After marrying rock star Joel Madden, The Simple Life star opened House of Harlow 1960, a jewelry and clothing line named after her first daughter. She also created a hilarious web series entitled Candidly Nicole, returning to her reality TV roots in an entirely new way (i.e., embracing the lack of reality). It was originally housed on AOL, and then turned into a full-fledged TV show on VH1.

Richie has transitioned from the rebellious young partier who dealt with controversy surrounding her weight, to an entrepreneur and philanthropist, giving back through such charities as The Richie Madden Children's Foundation, and Baby2Baby.

Originally starting out as Bruce Jenner, Caitlyn Jenner officially started her life in 2015, after she exposed herself to the world on the cover of Vanity Fair. Aptly titled, "Call Me Caitlyn," that's what we did after she proclaimed that Bruce Jenner was long gone. Jenner tops my list of celebrities who have gone through transitions, as her transition was not only physical, but emotional as well. Bravely going from a man whose entire life story was in the public eye to a newly formed woman is no easy feat, especially when you're an Olympic medalist with ten children.

Her E! reality show, I Am Cait, delved deep into the first few stages of Jenner's new experiences as a woman, as well as her family and friend's reaction to her transformation. Jenner has since helped to pave the way for other LGBTQ persons to speak their truths, and transition proudly in the ways that best support who they are as people.

Mandy Moore's "Candy" is still one of my favorite pop songs of all time. Even though she's since traded in her signature blond locks and singing talent for a brunette coif and acting chops, I love Mandy Moore nonetheless. She's transitioned from being a super sweet pop icon to more of a serious actress, which arguably started with her role in A Walk to Remember as a Christian girl diagnosed with Leukemia who happens to fall in love with the bad boy next door. It's still one of my favorite guilty pleasure films, along with The Princess Diaries — thanks, Mandy.

It's clear that Moore has found a love in full-time acting, transitioning from singing to playing Rebecca Pearson, the matriarch character in NBC's This Is Us. She was even nominated for a "Best Supporting Actress" Golden Globe for the role!