While we applaud the show for not putting a doctor in an overly elaborate hairstyle (Elliot from "Scrubs," we're talking to you), this one could use a little improvement. After all, if we're buying into a show where interns perform surgeries on each other, we can believe that Christina would have time for a little de-frizzing cream and a sleeker ponytail.
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Best: Joey Potter from Dawson's Creek
She's the ultimate girl-next-door, with a super-simple hairstyle to match. Any "Creek" fans could have easily stolen this look and we love it for its approachability.
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Worst: Elaine Benes from "Seinfeld"
Maybe Elaine would have benefited from at least one female friend -- one that could have shared the secrets of defining curls and stopping frizz. And one that could have told her that poufy half-updo was not doing anything to showcase her pretty face.
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Best: Serena van der Woodsen from "Gossip Girl"
Serena officially has the new "it" hairstyle, according to too many blogs and columns to count. We love the casual beachy waves (see how to get them yourself here) that still look sophisticated and big-city appropriate.
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Worst: Nicolette Grant from "Big Love"
At first glance it seems like Nicolette has been taking cues from Elaine, but it's doubtful she catches many re-runs of "Seinfeld." Nope, this just seems like another case of someone mistakenly thinking poufy half-updos and frizzy curls are flattering.
TV characters' hairstyles run the gamut from runway-worthy 'dos to downright scary catastrophes. Some of them perfectly fit their characters -- like Ugly Betty's blah cut or Joan Holloway's perfect French twist -- and some of them left us wondering what the stylists on the show were thinking.
Whether it's a sci-fi elaborate updo or a simple girl-next-door ponytail, TV characters' hairstyles inspire us to try out new looks on ourselves, or give us perspective on horrible hairstyles we shouldn't attempt trying. All the styles on this list caught our eye because they were either ideally suited for their characters, gorgeous looks we'd like to steal, or tragic numbers that made us embarrassed for the characters -- and the stars that had to wear them.
Check out our picks for the best and worst TV character hairstyles, but please note: we're only referring to the character's style, not the actress who plays her. And even though plenty of reality stars may seem like characters as well, we decided to keep this list narrowed down to fictional TV characters. So sorry Kate of "John and Kate Plus Eight," you'll just have to wait until our story on the best and worst reality star hairstyles comes out. Stay tuned!
