Miley Cyrus, Before and After

Miley Cyrus is only 26 years old, but she's already making her comeback. After achieving early fame as a teen on the hit Disney show, Hannah Montana, she went on to release several albums, launch a fashion line and star in a handful of films. But today, she is best remembered for a more controversial persona—a twerking, pixie-wearing, skin-bearing Miley that emerged in 2013 (often with her tongue out). 

Those attention-grabbing antics are apparently all behind her now. After laying low for a few years, she's returned with a new image. What better way to welcome Miley back into the spotlight than with a look back at her beauty evolution...

Miley in 2006

Our first shot is a throwback to 2006, when Miley was only 13 years old. There's her natural brown hair colour... and her natural teeth and nose. Her smile is a bit uneven and gummy. Even at such a young age, she was already getting her eyebrows shaped.

Miley in 2007

By the time this event rolled around, I think Miley made some changes. First of all, she has new chunky blonde highlights. The other obvious difference is her smile. I suspect she had veneers and gum reshaping to create a straighter and less gummy smile. 

Miley in 2008

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Who knew Miley had a brief Goth phase? She was 15 here, with curly, almost-black hair, sooty eyeliner, pale skin and super-skinny brows.

Miley in 2009

Then, she did a complete 180 and went back to country singer chic. She looks so different here, and I can’t figure out exactly why. The style details include reddish brown waves, a deep spray tan and lots and lots of jewellery (including a new nose ring). 

Miley in 2010

The red hair got more bold in 2010, with heavier makeup to match. I think we have Miley to thank for popularizing these Mermaid waves that still won't go away. I'm pretty sure she also had hair extensions at the time. Notice how her nose is looking smaller and more button-like.

Miley in 2011

In 2011, she tied her hair back into a sophisticated updo, which is so pretty. I also love the dramatic cat eyes.

Miley in 2012

The changes started with this lob length and Ombré colour. Her brows are a lot bolder, too. I can remember loving this look at the time! 

Here, she kept the same length but lightened it all over. It's very brassy, but I think she still looks good. She also swapped out the stud in her nose for a hoop.

And right after that, everything changed! Miley debuted her punky new look on this red carpet: short, platinum-blonde hair with shaved sides and edgy earrings. (She apparently got the ear tattoo before, in 2010.)

Miley in 2013

A few months later, she rocked her natural brown roots with even lighter, whiter tips and a soft faux hawk. Honestly, she's adorable. Notice the makeup improvements—less skin coverage, defined lashes, peachy lipstick and straight, dark brows. Her nose seems even more petite, so it's possible she had a second surgery there.

Few people could hope to look this good in red lipstick, black liner and bleached blonde hair with dark roots! Miley pulls it off beautifully.

Miley in 2014

By this time, Miley was 21, and she was starting to let her hair grow out (although keeping the blonde). Her brows are a softer hue, but she is becoming even more experimental with her eye makeup, rocking graphic wings.

Miley in 2015

The following year, it was back to the bleach. She dealt with the awkward grow-out phase by slicking her hair back and off her face. Everything else is more natural, including her skin, brows and lashes.

Who could forget this look?! It was the edgy Miley's last hurrah—blonde dreadlocks in a high ponytail with au naturel roots and colour-blocked makeup. I actually really like the bright makeup, which is such a departure from her country/child star image. I can't get over her tiny nose!

Miley in 2019

And that brings us to 2019! This is a far cry from the Miley of just a couple years ago. After stepping away from the spotlight, she’s returned with newly long hair with darker roots. (She explained, "I like blonde and brown. Now I don't have to choose.") Unlike so many of her peers, she has eschewed heavy contouring, false lashes, etc. Well done!

Conclusion

Most stars' beauty evolutions involve a series of refinements intended to create an ultra-perfected look. Like themselves, only better.

Miley's transformation hasn't been like that. She's had MANY transformations over the years, and at a far younger age than most of our Before & After subjects. Already, she's worn just about every hair colour, and experimented with all sorts of haircuts, styles, makeup looks and jewellery.

Those are all temporary changes, but I do think she had a few permanent procedures very early on in her career: veneers, laser gum reshaping, teeth whitening... and a nose job. "From my experience, I think Miley's had her nose changed," says cosmetic surgeon Dr. Aamer Khan. "The tip looks as though it's been refined, as it was a little bulbous before. And her nostrils appear to have been narrowed."

At this point, it seems like rhinoplasty is just a rite of passage for celebs, and there are probably fewer who haven't done it than those who have! What do you think of Miley's new (and old) look?