Top 20 Best America's Next Top Model Makeovers

#20: Jaeda Young

Cycle 7

Its strange that one of the best makeovers on the show happened to one of the most controversial contestants. Jaeda Young endeared herself to few people when her insecurities led to an epic breakdown during her haircut. Poor Mr. Jay was beside himself, and Young even won an award for Biggest Makeover Meltdown at The Fiercee Awards. But facts are facts, and Youngs Halle Berry-inspired pixie cut gives her a bold, dramatic flair that is absolutely winning. Unfortunately, Young was eliminated by Episode 9, but at least she went out in style.

#19: Alasia Ballard

Cycle 14

Speaking of divas, Ballard was also a participant in some major drama among the contestants, including getting into a screaming match early on. Things got tense when, in Episode 3, Ballard was called out for wearing a swimsuit. But one thing that she had going for her was a strong impression. Ballards initial look with her sweet, conventional straight hair, gave way to a big-volume mane that better expressed her bold personality. Its a dramatic departure from her clean-cut look that works especially well. She was the first eliminated in New Zealand, unfortunately, but her look is something we wont forget in a hurry.

#18: Brittany Markert

Cycle 13

Speaking of transformational makeovers, this math whiz proved that sometimes a change in hair color is whats needed. Markerts stunning romantic blonde hair was turned into a deep brown, complemented by a golden two-piece suit. She later gave an impressive performance at the scarf photoshoot, which allowed her to win immunity, the first ever for a contestant. Other highlights include her first call-out for the Cirque du Soleil photoshoot, along with Rae Weisz and Jennifer An. Markerts streak was nothing less than impressive, and after the show, she went on to sign up with a modeling agency in San Francisco before becoming a photographer herself.

#17: Jenah Doucette

Cycle 9

You wouldnt believe this bookish bronze brunette who claimed she got along better with boys would ever go blonde. But Tyra Banks vision reaped good fruit. Doucettes photo modeling was continually impressive, and her makeover look wowed the judges, including Tyra Banks herself. Her makeover, going from pageboy bronze to platinum blonde, is absolutely winning, complementing the models strong features. Doucette is no sweet brunette. Unfortunately, both Saleisha Stowers and Chantal Jones attacked her for her personality, causing her to break down and get eliminated. But her makeover was still among the strongest.

#16: Mollie Sue Steenis

Cycle 6

This waitress-turned-model gave a strong turn with this metamorphosis. Its a simple trim, to be sure, from her original swept bob, but Banks ambition of giving a model the Mia Farrow treatment in Cycle 5 was finally realized. Mollie Sues more severe cut complements her jawline and slender body. In the end, though, the judges thought her too stiff for a commercial and sent her home in Episode 6. But her post-show life has been more successful, as she has signed up with top modeling agencies, as well as being in magazines such as Vogue and Cosmopolitan. Now thats talent.

#15: Shandi Sullivan

Cycle 2

This Walgreens-clerk-turned supermodel got a rough start on the show, but her makeover was definitely a winner. Her promo shows her stick-thin, with long, mousy hair. So her makeover into a stylish blonde who modeled as a Nicole Kidman lookalike is nothing less than extraordinary. This ugly duckling transformation was the first in the show, receiving two challenge wins and getting her first call-out for the heights photoshoot. Perhaps the transformation was too successful, however, for she caused drama when she cheated on her boyfriend with a male model in Italy. Still, she was awarded the Biggest Change award by Tyra Banks for her transformation.

#14: Amanda Swafford

Cycle 3

Swaffords striking ice blue eyes already make her one of the most stunning models on the show. Her makeover, however, made her look like an elf straight out of Lord of the Rings. Both her early photos and her ethereal new look impressed the judges. She made it all the way to the top three, but was eliminated in favor of Eva Pigford, the eventual winner of Cycle 3. Sadly, Swafford suffered from a degenerative eye condition, making her legally blind. But her look is by no means forgettable, and she has had success after the show, modeling in Prague and Moscow. We love to see it.

#13: Yoanna House

Cycle 2

This Cycle 2 contestant won for good reason. Houses initial photos have her with shoulder-length wavy black hair. Her makeover is a remarkable transformation into an Audrey Hepburn-esque waif. While she won the Episode 3 challenge, she also suffered a fall during the music video shoot, which almost caused her to be eliminated. She also had major beef with Camille McDonald, although they briefly became friends in episode 8. Drama aside, Houses strong portfolio nabbed her the ANTM crown, also making her one of the oldest winners on the show. Afterward, she became the the face of The CW network in 2006.

#12: Felicia Provost

Cycle 8

This Tyra Banks look-alike began well as a beautiful ginger with great presence and, of course, poses. Her second look, though, is even more striking, converting her into a sultry brunette. Unfortunately, early on in Episode 4 she was eliminated in favor of Dionne Walters. Fans were left scratching their heads over the decision, especially since the judges loved her photos apart from her fashion victim one. Still, its an inspired makeover, proving that bangs on the right person can really complete their look. Provost went on to sign onto the Elite Model Management in Chicago, although she is now retired in Hong Kong.

#11: Allison Harvard

Cycle 12

Creepy-Chan is far from creepy. Although given the moniker by 4chan users, Harvard quickly became a fan favorite. She entered the competition blending in with a flat, brown lob. So it was great to see her transformed with new platinum blonde waves that lit up her face and emphasized her big blue eyes. Harvard had a strong run across the season, especially in its later episodes. Sadly, though, the judges felt she lacked variety in her facial expressions, and she ultimately came in second behind Teyona Anderson. Harvard did return to the show in Cycle 17, which pleased her fans.

#10: Joanie Dodds

Cycle 6

This finalists makeover was a study in the art of subtlety. The color and extra volume complimented Dodds strong jawline. And when combined with her natural talent in front of the camera, the end result packed quite a punch. The judges praised her photos, and Banks even commented that Dodds could not take a bad picture. They took issue with her personal presence, though, especially compared to her competitors. In the end, Dodds was runner-up to Danielle Evans. Dodds went on to model for GQ among other magazines, so its no great loss.

#9: Whitney Thompson

Cycle 10

This finalist became the winner of her Cycle for very good reason. For one thing, her makeover was sensational. Beginning with thick dark hair and a 2000s high-waisted top, Thompson became a glamorous blonde with a bold presence. Despite a rough start, with the judges deeming her too fake, Thompson soon proved herself by winning three challenges and receiving her first call-out during the music-themed photo shoot. Thompson also got recognition for being the only plus-size model to win the competition. The modeling industry may be cruel to plus-sized models, but occasionally justice is served.

#8: Coryn Woitel

Cycle 5

Competing at just 19 years old, this contestant had a rough home life. But talent is talent, and Woitels transformation on the show is remarkable. She began as a flat-haired dark brunette with a breezy look. Her makeover lengthened her hair and gave it more volume. And of course, in typical Banks style, Woitel got blonde hair, which complemented her skin tone. The brighter tone definitely helped her stand out. Unfortunately, her pictures didnt match the new vibe, and Woitel was eliminated in Episode 6, with judges deeming her performance too gloomy. Her rivalry with Lisa DAmato didnt help matters either. But when she served, she served.

#7: Bianca Golden

Cycle 9

This Golden girl deserved better. Not for her clashes and endless drama with the other contestants, of course. But Golden did luck out in one key way. Her makeover was a success with fans, going from cherry red hair to a buzz cut that gave her features unexpected softness and dimension. And to think, she was initially going to receive blonde extensions. Goldens hair was already too damaged, however, which landed her with this cut. Although she received several call-outs, she was eventually eliminated in the penultimate episode. Still, Golden returned for The Tyra Banks Show, and even modeled for Chris March on Project Runway.

#6: Samantha Potter

Cycle 11

A volleyball-and-soccer blonde, Potter began the cycle strong, receiving her first call-out for her natural disasters shot and winning two challenges. No doubt her makeover played some part in her performance. Her promo photos show her as a striking, but typical long-haired blonde with a svelte body. Simply cutting her hair short, however, utterly transformed her look for good. The modish pixie cut accentuated her features and gave them a unique cast that is no less than memorable. Its a remarkable transformation. Sure enough, Potter lasted all the way up until the finale, in which she lost to McKey Sullivan.

#5: Norelle Van Herk

Cycle 3

Van Herk made it work. This contestant began with long, dark hair and braces. Her dramatic makeover removed the wires, deepened her hair color, and cropped it into a shaggy bob, bringing out her brilliant green eyes and delicate features. What a success! Van Herk also won the first challenge of her makeover episode. Unfortunately, the judges were not as impressed with her photos across the season. Between an inconsistent portfolio, and Van Herks struggles navigating Japanese culture, she would get the axe in Episode 11. Still, she went on to become a successful model in Japan and even signed onto two modeling companies. You go, girl.

#4: Kayla Ferrel

Cycle 15

One of the few openly LGBTQ+ models, Ferrels start on Cycle 15 was a little uneven, placing 12th and 2nd in the first two photoshoots respectively. She entered the competition with a pile of icy blonde curls that the judges couldnt quite see past. Though a straightened look was an instant improvement, her makeover guaranteed she would turn heads going forward. Ferrel would receive bangs and a shorter length, as well as a new flaming red color that suited her beautifully. Despite some striking pictures, she was eliminated in Episode 11, as the judges thought she had not mastered her facial angles quite yet. But she returned to All-Stars for Cycle 17 and even did a stint of modeling in Japan before retiring. Her ANTM makeover in this cycle is still fascinating.

#3: Brittani Kline

Cycle 16

From the very beginning, this Pennsylvanian model shone, with her photos impressing the judges. If Klines first look was sleek and smoky, her makeover look gave her a Cleopatra-style look that was absolutely winning. There were some hiccups, with the judges disliking her Fierce Roast Coffee commercial and her clashes with fellow contestants, particularly Alexandria Everett. She finally competed against Molly OConnell in the final two. Although Banks had wanted to eliminate her early on, most of the judges were in favor of Kline. She eventually won due to her CoverGirl commercial and print ad. This girl is a winner, all right.

#2: Naima Mora

Cycle 4

This winner from Michigan came out with a very striking makeover and an overall strong modeling performance. Mora began the competition already a little edgy, with her dark mohawk. But add a lighter color and a little product, and she popped more than anyone would have believed, as the makeover both defined and softened her features. Throughout the season, Mora won every one of the CoverGirl of the Week titles, got two first call-outs, and won over Keenyah Hill and Kahlen Rondot in the Covergirl commercial portion of the finale. In the final runway, she bested everyone and became the official winner of the cycle. What a show

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

Anya Rozova, Cycle 10

Another Successful Brunette-to-Platinum-Blonde Conversion

Laura LaFrate, Cycle 18

Red, White, & Blue Never Looked So Stylish

Natasha Galkina, Cycle 8

For Another Cleopatra Look That Is Downright Queenly

#1: Fatima Siad

Cycle 10

This Somalian-American contestants tragic life and modeling talent is the stuff of legend. Debuting with a unique blonde curly texture, Siad was fitted with beautiful silky black hair extensions that made her look no less than stunning. There were major hiccups, of course, with Siad struggling to take direction and missing an overseas photoshoot due to lost travel documents. Sadly, she was eliminated just before the final runway show despite a strong portfolio. Siad eventually went on to a successful career, signing up with modeling agencies in New York City and Los Angeles. To this day, we all wonder what could have been had Siad won.

Which other Americas Next Top Model makeover lives in your head rent-free? Let us know in the comments down below!