Hair advice for the stars

Up? Down? Just like Dr. Phil, we tell it like it is!

Most Hollywood starlets are surrounded by an entourage who gush over them 24/7 but sometimes all they really want to know is the hard truth: Does my hair look better up or down? We're here to tell them. Click through the gallery to see if you agree with our brutally honest advice.



Jennifer Aniston

She made "The Rachel" famous the world over and each time Aniston emerges from the hair salon it becomes headline news. The power of her tresses isn't lost on the actress, who refuses to step out without a perfect blowout. On those rare occasions when she dares to wear it up, we're sorry, but we're just not feelin' it.

Jessica Alba

Like many busy moms, the actress has been wearing her hair up more and more over the past few years, not only on the playground but on red carpets too. While she certainly has the features to pull off the look, we'd like to see more of her long-lost hair.

Jennifer Lopez

When you're as gorgeous as Jennifer Lopez, you don't really need anyone's beauty advice, but we're dishing it out anyway. While she certainly makes a striking impression with both looks, you just can't ignore the elegance when she wears her hair off her face.

Jessica Simpson

The blond beauty is one of the few Hollywood stars who looks better au natural, and that includes those lazy days when only a pony tail will do. On the other hand, it does seem a bit of a waste not to show off those luscious locks of hers, which are the envy of women everywhere. Decisions! Decisions!

Nicole Kidman

The Aussie actress - and her unforgettable hair - made quite the impression on North Americans after she appeared opposite Tom Cruise in "Far and Away." Her long, curly red hair is arguably the star's best feature, which is why there's no question which style we prefer.

Charlize Theron

The actress could go bald and she'd still be a beauty, but if she were to come to us for advice on which looks best, we'd take a moment to revive ourselves and then promptly tell her to lose the updo.

Taylor Swift

We love the country cutie's trademark ringlets, even though she's probably spent hours cursing them as people born with curly hair tend to do. While we know Swift needs a break from them every now and then, we say bring 'em on!

Olivia Wilde

Luckily, the in-demand actress looks pretty flippin' hot with her hair up because there's no time for bonding with your blow dryer when you have this many movies on the go. Plus, we're not feeling the bang situation and her hair may even drag her face down a little.

Katy Perry

When it comes to the songstress' beautiful black hair (which may also be pink or blue depending on the hour), we're hot when it's down and cold when it's up. Sure, she's pretty lovely either way, but there's a softer look about Mrs. Russell Brand when it's down.

Kim Kardashian

The reality TV starlet has many famous features, but for the purposes of this exercise we'll be sticking to her face, which can be best appreciated with her hair pulled back. No doubt Kardashian feels the same way because she wore it up for her wedding.

Stars’ Post-baby Body Secrets

Stars’ Post-baby Body Secrets

Stars’ post-baby body secrets.Movie star Penelope Cruz recently shared her post-baby body secret  after having son, Leo, in January.  Who is the famous father? Find out how some of the biggest stars shed their baby weight and be ready for swimsuit season with their weight-loss tips.

Miranda Kerr
I remember I was on the elliptical machine when I was pregnant with Flynn. I think if you’re really eating the right foods, putting the nutrition into your body and doing yoga and breastfeeding – those things have helped me get back into shape. – Miranda Kerr

“Pirates of the Caribbean”  tar Orlando Bloom is one lucky guy. Kerr bared a trim tummy in a bikini photo shoot just four months after giving birth.
Bonus:Miranda has four tablespoons of this oil every day for great hair and skin.

Ashlee Simpson
I try not to pig out or to eat late at night. I just try to go for lots of walks with Bronx and Pete. Besides, running around after a little one is exercise enough. – Ashlee Simpson

Although Ashlee and husband Pete Wentz filed for divorce  earlier this year, they did have some happy times together  with 2-year-old son Bronx. Are they reconciling?

Bonus: At age 11, Ashlee was the youngest person ever accepted to this prestigious school.

Jennifer Lopez
I’ve never had to work on my stomach before -- it was like, concave, I was a lucky person -- but since the babies, I do. I really have to work on it. – Jennifer Lopez

After several failed marriages, “American Idol “ judge and pop diva Jennifer Lopez  finally found love with this Latin lover in 2004. The two welcomed twins Max and Emme  in 2008.

Bonus: In 1991, Jennifer got her start in this sketch comedy television show

Jessica Alba
Eight weeks after my girlfriend had her baby, you could see her six-pack. She told me to put an elastic band around my waist -  any kind of band or girdle works. – Jessica Alba

Actress Jessica Alba met her husband with a money name on the “Fantastic Four” set in 2004. The two married in May 2008 and welcomed daughter – and Alba look-alike – Honor Marie in June 2008.

Bonus: Jessica’s first feature film was this 1994 comedy set at a summer camp.

Christina Aguilera
I do a routine of weight training and Pilates, which I did through my pregnancy. I'm not into dieting or depriving myself. – Christina Aguilera

Although “The Voice” coach Christina Aguilera split from husband Jordan Bratman in 2010 (here’s why), the two are working to remain friendly for the sake of 3-year-old son Max . Christina is rumored to have moved on with this actor .

Bonus: She ran into trouble with the law last year.

Gisele Bundchen
I think a lot of people get pregnant and decide they can turn into garbage disposals. I was mindful about what I ate, and I gained only 30 pounds. – Gisele Bundchen

Brazilian supermodel Gisele  took pregnancy in stride  and bounced back to her old self in just two months. Her football-playing husband is thrilled with one-and-a-half-year-old Benjamin and is already looking forward to expanding the family.

Bonus: Gisele’s favorite thing to cook is this hearty breakfast meal.

Kelly Preston
I’ve been lucky because I’ve been breastfeeding so that’s really helped me lose the weight. That really is the secret. – Kelly Preston

Kelly and husband John Travolta welcomed son Benjamin  in November 2010. They also have daughter Ella, 11. The couple’s son, Jett ,died tragically  as a result of this disorder while the family was vacationing in the Bahamas in 2009.

Bonus: Kelly was once engaged to this off-the-rails TV star but broke it off after he allegedly shot her in the arm.

Kourtney Kardashian
I can jog right outside the house for 30 minutes and save the time it takes to drive to the gym. – Kourtney Kardashian

Kourtney looked fantastic while pregnant with son Mason and is loving her post-baby body as well .The “Keeping Up With the Kardashians”  star recently celebrated a birthday. Find out how old she is.

Bonus: Kourtney made her acting debut on a long-running soap.

Celine Dion
You get busy with twins and you feed them so they help you to recover very fast. So I helped them help me. – Celine Dion

Singing superstar Celine Dion credits breastfeeding and good genes with helping her lose the baby weight after having twins Eddy and Nelson in October 2010. The “My Heart Will Go On” singer returned to Las Vegas in March for her new show, Celine.

Bonus: Celine’s popularity grew substantially after she won this worldwide singing competition in 1988.

Ana Ortiz
I attribute it to working out while I was pregnant. Also, I'm in New York, so I'm walking everywhere. – Ana Ortiz

“Ugly Betty” alum Ana Ortiz was back to her old self three months after having daughter Paloma. Watch her in Enrique Iglesias’ music video for “Cuando me enamoro.”

Bonus: In one of her first roles,Ortiz appeared on a long-running cop -drama.

Kendra Wilkinson
Dance is a huge thing. If you want to lose weight and have fun, just dance. – Kendra Wilkinson

When the “Playboy” model and reality TV star gained 50 pounds during her pregnancy with baby Hank , it took her nearly a year to get back to her old self .She was recently eliminated from “Dancing Wwith the Stars” .

Bonus: She made a guest appearance on a popular HBO show in 2005.

Adriana Lima
I didn't try losing weight right away because I wanted to breastfeed. I took my time and ate really well and healthy, and then started getting back in shape five months after I gave birth. – Adriana Lima

Victoria’s Secrets model Adriana didn’t exactly have a smooth time while pregnant with baby Valentina. She was put on bed rest for two weeks for a common pregnancy condition.

Bonus: She was a spokesperson for a major cosmetics brand

Jennifer Garner
I got on the treadmill, stopped stuffing my face and lost the weight. I cut out croissants, bagels and muffins – all the good stuff. And went back to having a salad once a day and protein. – Jennifer Garner

“Valentine’s Day”star Jennifer Garner keeps in shape by chasing after daughters Violet and Seraphina. Luckily, she also has support from hubby Ben Affleck. What is the new film he will direct and star in?

Bonus: She gained recognition as a kick-butt CIA agent.

Tori Spelling
I had a friend who did NutriSystem. I thought, ‘Let me try it.’ When I started to see results, it was huge for me, because I never had to lose weight before. – Tori Spelling

“Beverly Hills, 90210” alum Tori Spelling   has never been busier. She has two kids , a third book out and a new show that just launched. And in case you haven’t heard, she recently announced this exciting news!

Bonus: She recently added some ink dedicated to her man.

Melissa Joan Hart
I cut out sugar. Then, when I was done with breastfeeding, I cut out dairy. I also ate a lot of fish for dinner and protein shakes for breakfast. – Melissa Joan Hart

The “Sabrina the Teenage Witch”  star struggled with losing weight after the birth of her sons. When she reached her goal weight of 113 pounds, the 5-foot-2 star did a photo shoot that showed off her new body .

Bonus: Melissa satisfied a childhood dream of hers by opening this in 2009.

Before They Were Famous

Oh sure, they’re household names now. But everyone has to pay their dues.

Before They Were Famous
 Check out the surprising first roles of some of Hollywood’s biggest stars, and watch videos of others before they struck it big.

Ben Affleck
Long before he was an Oscar winner for this film, a pre-teen Ben starred in the educational series “Voyage of the Mimi” in 1984. (Watch clips.) He recently directed and starred in this critically acclaimed film.

Jennifer Aniston
Before she was a favorite on this TV show or known for her high-profile romance with this A-list star, Jennifer starred in the critical bomb “Leprechaun” (watch clips). That was two years before she became a household name.

Jennifer Lopez
When she was just Jenny From the Block, before she was an international star, Jennifer made her debut with a small role in “My Little Girl” (see the trailer). She also was a Fly Girl on "In Living Color" with another familiar face.

Tom Cruise
The high-profile star played a small role in 1981’s “Endless Love” (watch clips), which starred this well-known actress, whom he famously criticized many years later.

Sylvester Stallone
Sly’s first role won’t go down as a cinematic achievement. “The Party at Kitty and Stud’s” was re-released after the actor’s star rose dramatically with this film. Upon re-release, it was called “The Italian Stallion.” (See the trailer.)

Keira Knightley
Blink and you’ll miss her, or you’ll think she’s Natalie Portman in her non-speaking role in this film. She was hired specifically for her resemblance to Portman. She was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actress in 2005 for this film.

Tom Hanks
Even two-time Oscar winners for Best Actor had to start somewhere. Tom starred on this TV series at the same time the made-for-TV movie “Mazes & Monsters” was released. (Watch clips.)

Angelina Jolie
Her first role was in a film with her father called “Lookin’ to Get Out” (watch clips) when she was 6 years old, and her first major role came in “Cyborg 2” at age 17. (Watch clips.) Check out her other films.

Naomi Watts
Known for her dramatic roles in acclaimed films like “21 Grams” and “Mulholland Drive,” it’s a surprise that one of her first roles was in this horror flick, based on a book by Stephen King.

Denzel Washington
This Oscar winner started out humbly enough, in a 1977 TV movie called “Wilma” (about this real person). Just nine years later, he won his first Academy Award for a role in this film.

John Travolta
Before “Saturday Night Fever” and “Grease,” Travolta’s movie debut came in the laughably bad “The Devil’s Rain.” (Watch clips.) It’s nice to know there’s life after a film where most of the cast is melted by Satan. (You can’t make this up!)

Evangeline Lilly
When she was cast as the female lead in this popular TV series, most wondered where she came from. We have the answer. She made her debut in this advertisement. Really.

Hilary Swank
This Oscar winner got her start with a single line of dialogue in the original “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” movie. (Watch clips.) She also put her role on this TV series far, far behind her.

Brad Pitt
A lot of people consider this film Brad’s big debut. But no, it was the 1989 film “Cutting Class.” (Watch clips.) This low-budget slasher flick was the world’s first glimpse of the future Mr. Jolie.