The Biggest Celebrity Makeovers of 2010

From extreme plastic surgery to hairstyle overhauls, the most dramatic morphs of the year

January Jones
The Mad Men actress has said that when it comes to her red-carpet fashion choices, she tends to steer clear of anything the former Mrs. Don Draper might wear. This line of thinking apparently applies to her beauty choices, too: In a bold break from Betsy’s classic ’60s makeup, Jones flaunted futuristic high-fashion eye shadow at the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute Gala in May.
Rihanna
The pop star might be “the only girl in the world” besides Lady Gaga who can seamlessly transition from one bold hairstyle to another in the blink of an eye. After switching from a blond pixie to a fiery-red one, Rihanna went even further, flaunting a hot, extension-fueled mass of curls at the American Music Awards in November
Joaquin Phoenix
Following his announcement in 2008 that he was retiring from acting, the world watched as Phoenix plummeted into a seemingly downward spiral—from his deteriorating hygiene to bizarre rapping aspirations, the onetime leading man appeared to have hit rock bottom. Enter 2010: Shortly after shedding his beard and shades, news breaks that Phoenix was actually in character for a fake documentary about his life, I’m Still Here, directed by brother-in-law Casey Affleck.
Jennifer Hudson
Since starting the Weight Watchers program earlier this year, Hudson has taken her sexy, curvaceous bod down a few dress sizes. As a spokesmodel for the slim-down system, the Oscar winner says she feels “empowered” by what she’s learned about portion control and healthy-yet-satisfying foods.
Ashlee Simpson-Wentz
A study released by the University of Michigan this past summer confirmed what we’ve all observed at one point or another: that over time couples begin to look eerily similar. This certainly seems to be the case with Ashlee Simpson-Wentz and her rocker hubby, Pete. For most of 2010, the pair had matching jet-black strands. After a brief ombré stint (shown here), however, Ashlee decided she preferred Pete’s cut over his color—and got a shaggy platinum pixie.
Dakota Fanning
She got Hollywood’s attention as an adorable gap-toothed seven-year-old in I Am Sam—but in 2010, Fanning proved she’s all grown up. After she turned Goth as a vampire in Eclipse and rocked out as Cherie Currie in The Runaways, Fanning’s own style got edgier (see black-rimmed eyeliner and all-black garb).
Heidi Montag
After going under the knife for a staggering 10 plastic surgeries in one day—including a second nose job and boob job—Montag revealed her new body in January 2010. Since then, she’s publicly complained of postoperation woes ranging from inhibited facial movement, fear of her nose falling off, and immobile breasts in need of massaging. Hmm…maybe Montag will get 10 more corrective plastic surgeries in 2011.
Emma Stone
The longtime redhead sent the blogosphere into a tizzy when she showed off ultrablond locks at an event earlier this month. Stone reportedly ditched her crimson mane for her role opposite Andrew Garfield in a reboot of the Spider-Man franchise.
Kelly Osbourne
After getting whipped into shape during her 2009 stint on Dancing With the Stars, Osbourne kept up her newfound fitness regimen—and her svelte figure in 2010 is proof! Besides better eating habits and Pilates, the reality-TV star says she continues dancing in order to maintain a healthy weight.
Kate Gosselin
“Everyone wants it!” Gosselin bragged to Entertainment Weekly in 2009 when asked about her reverse mullet do. “My hairstylist gets calls from all across the country.” Thankfully, celebrity mane master Ted Gibson got his hands on Gosselin’s strands in 2010 and smoothed out her spikes with extensions.
Scarlett Johansson
In July 2010, Johansson traded in her blond mane for a textured bob, courtesy of tress extraordinaire Oribe. “Her hair was really beautiful—long and gorgeous—but it was getting heavy,” he told us at the time. “Summer is here, and Scarlett wanted something fresh that would allow more volume.”
Emma Watson
Don’t call her Hermione! Breaking free of her bewitching tresses and getting a pixie cut over the summer, Watson proved she’s ready to graduate from Hogwarts.
Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi
Besides being addicted to pickles, the Jersey Shore star is also hooked on big hair—or at least she was. After causing a “pouf” sensation, Snooki retired the hairdo and emerged bouffant-less in 2010.
Taylor Swift
She used to prefer wearing her hair curly, but Swift was convinced to go straight (with blunt bangs!) for the April 2010 issue of ELLE—and seems to love the look! Since the cover shoot, she has returned to the sleek do several times, including the American Music Awards in November.
Kristen Stewart
Joan Jett is pretty fabulous—and her iconic mullet do has definitely left its mark (see the Jean Paul Gaultier spring 2011 runway for evidence). But let’s face it—it’s not always the easiest cut to pull off. Though Stewart rocked the style awesomely for her role as Jett in The Runaways, we were happy to see her return to Bella Swan–esque strands in 2010.
Taylor Momsen
Her character, Jenny Humphrey, might have retired her wild-child ways on Gossip Girl. But in real life, Momsen is still on a rebellious streak. In October 2010, the 17-year-old ratcheted up her extreme makeup a notch, trading in her signature raccoon eyes and nude pucker for red eye shadow and maroon lipstick. Though she returned to the black eyeliner, she continued sporting a dark pout into November—the same month she famously blamed her parents for robbing her of her childhood.
Keira Knightley
The It Brit is no stranger to a bob—but it’s been five years since she wore the chin-length style. Which is why when she brought it back in 2010, hair gurus everywhere took notice. More shapely and asymmetrical than the original incarnation, Knightley’s chic cut is a fun departure from the long-locks-with-bangs style she wore throughout 2009.