'Teen Mom' Star Amber Portwood -- Post Prison Makeover ... From Slammer To Glamour

"Teen Mom" star Amber Portwood is no longer a prisoner to fashion... especially prison fashions ... and TMZ has learned she's embracing her freedom by creating a whole new glam look for herself.

After serving 17 months behind bars ... Portwood has freed herself from her harsh, mugshot makeup ... and is now showing off a post-prison makeover that gives her a softer, more sophisticated look.

Sources close to Amber tell us ... she's treated herself to a whole new set of clothes ... and a stylish new haircut.

But the biggest change ... they say ... she no longer uses homemade, prison-style hairspray (which is often made from Jolly Rancher candies because it's sticky and provides excellent hold).

So, the good news -- she looks great.
The bad news -- her hair no longer tastes like grape.