Following the lives and gossip of celebrities is becoming the new national pastime. America has become obsessed with the lives, fashion, work, and kids of celebrities. It would be a nightmare to try to recap all the juicy drama that has gone down in 2009, so instead, let's aim our sights a little lower and examine celebrity hairstyles of 2009; the drama recap can come later when the year officially comes to a close.

So let's start the list with one of America's most beautiful imports: Penelope Cruz.  I may be completely biased, but in my humble opinion Ms. Cruz embodies European class, charm and natural-based beauty.  Her long brunette locks have been a major component of her signature look throughout her career, and hey, if it's working, why change it?  I think the proof is in the pudding.

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Next up: Victoria Beckham.  Mrs. Beckham is the epitome of what a fashion maven ought to be: thin, married to one of the hunkiest men in the world, a fashion designer by trade, and truly one of the most photographed celebrities.  She has been responsible for many hair trends, perhaps most notably her short hair cuts.  With one of the fiercest looks in the biz, Posh has been true to her name, all while keeping it fresh and original.  For 2009, she went particularly short, and I would say she nailed it (as usual).

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Another fashionista, both on screen and off is the always glamorous Sarah Jessica Parker.  Whether entering the public eye as Carrie from Sex and the City, or as herself, SJP turns heads and starts trends.  Over the years she's pulled off long, short, kinky curly and straight with the greatest of ease.  No matter how she cuts or curls, it's always classy.

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Another woman known for class, beauty and charm is Catherine Zeta Jones.  After The Mask of Zorro, not only was Mrs. Zeta Jones Douglas known for her acting chops, but the world fell for her dark features and flawless face.  But for me, it was always the hair that inspired the most envy; no matter how she styles it, it looks perfect, healthy and natural.  

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Charlize Theron is the triple threat of the entertainment biz: she can act, model and dance (sing?  Not so sure...).  Ms. Theron has typically gone with medium length styles, a look that frames her rounded face gorgeously.  South Africa still has some good in it yet.

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Cameron Diaz has been a Paparazzi princess, model, actress and green-living advocate—she truly is a jack of all trades.  She also happens to be one of the most iconic actresses in Hollywood of her generation or any other.  She's gone from blonde to brunette and every shade in between, but it's the blonde hair and blue eyes that keep us drooling.

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Reese Witherspoon is nothing but likeable.  She's an all-American sweetheart and Oscar-winning actress.  This blonde haired beauty has generally kept a shorter cut, but early in 2009 she caused nation-wide whiplash when she stepped out with beautiful straight long blonde hair.  People just couldn't get enough of her new look, and for good reason too!

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But if Reese is America's sweetheart, then what is Jennifer Aniston?  I guess America has two sweethearts, because there's just no other way to sufficiently sum up Ms. Aniston in one swift phrase.  As Rachel on Friends, Jennifer set the hair styling industry on fire with "the Rachel"—a medium length cut with lots of layers and some highlights.  Her look hasn't changed much over the years since the show's end, but then again, why mess with perfection?

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