Since it premiered on Netflix, the new show "13 Reason's Why" has caused quite the stir with well, everyone. With some viewers saying it "glorifies suicide" to others saying it ignores the topic of mental health altogether, the show has been pretty controversial since the beginning.
That's why many people were surprised to hear that the show will be getting a second season on Netflix. Although at first it was just a hypothetical situation that fans hoped would actually happen, executive producer Selena Gomez, took to Instagram today to share that it really is getting renewed. "Their story isn't over. Season 2 of #13ReasonsWhy is coming," she said. To celebrate this news, she shared the first official teaser.
There isn't a lot going on in the short clip but you do get glimpses of some of the famous landmarks in the show: the movie theater where Clay and Hannah worked, the high school, Hannah's parents' drug store, and the infamous coffee shop.
As of right now, there is no date for when the second season will be coming out so really, all we can do is wait and see.
It's official, my new favorite pastime is looking at pictures of children dressed up as celebrities. I mean, have you seen the Rihanna look-alike? Incredible.
Now, it's Zendaya's turn. Last night on Instagram, Zendaya shared the most precious photo of a little girl wearing a dress that looks exactly like her Met Gala gown, according to Teen Vogue. "Please look at this little princess," Zendaya captioned the photo.
In a perfect world, we would all be able to wake up in the morning with perfectly styledhair that doesn’t require all the work. But the universe manages to work against us, causing us to wake up with a bedhead that’ll take up way too much time to work around. Luckily for you, there are a few tricks that you can pull out of your hat right before you hit sheets to wake up with amazing hair that’ll make it look like the hair gods blessed you.
We all love beach waves, but thanks to this thing called college, not all of us have the time or the resources to take a trip to an actual beach. But the beauty of beach waves is that you can get them without kicking it in the sand. The technique is simple. Shampoo and condition your hair in the shower before you go to bed. Once that’s done, part your hair into at least four sections and form a loose braid from every section. Let this dry overnight and wake up with beachy waves that are to die for.
A twist out is such an easy style that can be performed on natural hair of any length. For any of you naturalistas out there, all this style requires you to do is wash your hair at night and your regular LOC method. LOC is just an abbreviation for “Liquid, Oil, Cream,” the technique that natural-haired women use to moisturize their hair. All you have to do is hydrate your hair with a liquid, normally water or any water-based product, seal in the moisture with an oil of your choice (think coconut or olive), and a cream (like SheaMoisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie) that will help prevent moisture loss. Once you’ve completed that, divide your damp hair into sections. Divide those sections into even smaller sections and twist away until your entire head is covered. Sleep on it and, once you wake up and unravel the twists, you should have flawless curls that not only look natural, but will also last you about two to three days. If you need more of a visual, take a look at this tutorial from Mini Marley.
Are you more of a get-up-and-go type of girl? Then you’ll love the pineapple. Realistically speaking, we don’t always have the time to complete twist outs every single night for great hair in the morning, which is why pineapples are so convenient. The pineapple is a styling method that many natural-haired women of all hair lengths use to protect their curls overnight. To get the look, all you need is a satin scrunchie and a satin scarf to hold your hair in place while you sleep. Gather all of your hair at the top of your head and place it in a high (and loose) ponytail. Wrap the satin scarf around your head to protect the sides and the edges of your hair while you sleep. Once you wake up in the morning, you can remove the scarf and fluff your pineapple any way that you desire. This style is a great way to protect your natural hair in between wash days and it can also reduce breakage and tangling.
The plopping method is used as a way to prevent breakage and frizz from occurring while the hair is drying. It’s as simple as sleeping with your hair in a plop. Wash and condition your hair how you normally would, then grab a soft, cotton t-shirt to wrap around your head.
Do this by bending over so that all of your hair is at the front of your head and wrapping the t-shirt around your head. Then just twist the shirt like an accordion and fold it up at the top of your head. All you have to do the next morning is remove the t-shirt as gently as you can and style it however you desire.
Believe it or not, there is a way to literally wake up like this. The secret to waking up with a flawless head of hair is all in how you style it before getting your beauty sleep.
Everyone needs that friend they can turn to when there's a bump in the road. If you're the friend who people ask to text their crush for them, consult before making a new class schedule or even just run outfits by, you’re officially your squad’s advice giver.
We’re sure that these moments below are all too familiar for you. The life of an advice giver is never dull.
1. You have some friends that only pop up when they need help with something
Of course you don’t mind giving them advice, but it would be nice to hang out with them without evaluating their latest crisis.
2. It pains you if a friend from home has a problem and you physically can’t be there for them
Sure, you can text her to share your opinion, but it’s not the same as sitting with her and having an actual conversation about what’s bothering her.
3. You feel bad about asking friends for advice, even though they definitely owe you for all the help you’ve given them
The perpetual advice giver feels uncomfortable when it’s her turn to ask for help, but there should be no shame in occasionally needing advice yourself!
4. You’ve yet to experience half of the issues your friends ask about, but still manage to deliver amazing guidance
Thanks for teaching us everything we know, TV and books!
5. Your texts have speech bubbles that stretch for miles long because you basically write novels of advice to friends
What would we do without modern technology?
6. You find yourself recommending self-help books or celebrity memoirs to your neediest friends
If some wise words from Amy Poehler or Tina Fey can’t solve your problems, I don’t know what will.
7. You need to have a phone charger handy in case your friend texts asking for help
You better believe this counseling session via text is going to be lengthy.
8. If someone keeps asking about the same problem over time, you just feel like a helpless, broken record
You may be good at giving advice, but there definitely comes a time when motivating your BFF about her love life can sound a little old.
9. You feel a little snubbed when you find out that a friend has been talking to someone else about that longtime conflict of theirs
Am I secretly relieved that I get a bit of a break from advice? Yes. Does that change the fact that you’ve picked someone else’s opinion over mine? No.
10. Sometimes your friends use your own advice against you
The one time you may screw up, your friends are there reminding you when you told them not to do that certain thing that you ended up doing yourself.
11. You look at people like Dr. Phil and totally think you can do what they do
Who says you need a degree to give people professional advice?
12. You feel a little guilty if someone takes your advice and it doesn’t go so well
Excuse me while I go hide until this mess blows over.
13. Giving good advice doesn’t make you immune to mistakes, no matter what people think
No, I am not a fortune teller in addition to a great advice giver—any bad stuff that comes out of taking my advice is on you.
14. You wonder if there will ever be a day when people won’t ask you for advice
Will that be the day that all of your friends magically become grown-ups?
15. Deep down, you hope that day will never arrive
It’s easy to glide through college with very few obligations to worry about, but for those of us who choose to get involved and take on multiple responsibilities at once, it can quickly become a struggle.
If you’re sitting there wondering if you even have time to read through this article, you’ll be able to relate to these 20 things only constantly busy girls will understand.
1. Your life is run by a never-ending to-do list
And crossing things off of it is invigorating.
2. You’ve turned down way too many nights out
I swear I'm fun... sometimes.
3. Sleeping in is not a thing
Early bird gets the worm!
4. Actually, sleep in general isn’t really a thing
Sleep is for people with time.
5. You’re never home
Who needs home when you can sleep in the library?
6. Your laptop is your lifeline
MacBook, you are everything.
7. Your meals are limited to microwaveable options
30-minute meals are 20 minutes too much.
8. Leisure reading is a joke
Maybe one day I'll actually read a book for pleasure.
9. You can’t remember the last time you watched an entire TV show
No, I didn't see last night's episode... or any episode before that.
10. You’re always the one who can’t make it to fun things
I'd love to go to dinner! But I have about 18 other things I have to do first.
11. Your phone is always and will always be by your side
I wish I could quit you.
12. Back-to-back meetings are a regular occurrence
After a full day of classes, of course.
13. You’re a pro at multi-tasking
Killing two birds with one stone like a boss.
14. Your parents worry about you being too stressed out
Yes, Mom, I'm fine. No, I don't need counseling.
15. You’re always carrying a thousand things with you
At last, it’s time to bust out your best beachwear and start lathering on that sunscreen because summer is about to arrive! But don’t stop there — you’ll need a few more items to really be prepared for Summer Break, and as usual, we’ve got you covered! While you’re counting down the days, minutes, and seconds until you’re reunited with Señor Sol, take a moment to check off some items on our list that’ll really come in handy, and if you want to get it all for free, you can win one of our HC Survival Kits.
Enter below for your chance to win some free summer swag, and then read on for a preview of what’s inside!
Penguin Random House’s White Fur by Jardine Libaire, a novel depicting the tale of two star-crossed lovers set against the glitz and grit of 1980s New York City
Steripod Toothbrush Protector, a clip-on pod that uses active thymol vapors to keep your toothbrush clean for up to 3 months
Name: Julie Pennell Job Title: Lifestyle journalist and author of The Young Wives Club (Emily Bestler Books/ Atria) College Name/Major: Louisiana Tech University/ Journalism Website: juliepennell.com Twitter Handle: @juliepens Instagram Handle:@juliepens
What does your current job entail?
Julie Pennell: I'm a full-time freelance writer so I work from home and write lifestyle articles for publications like TODAY.com and Teen Vogue. I also just published my first novel, The Young Wives Club, which is a story about a group of college-aged best friends who lean on each other during the trials and tribulations of their very young marriages. Needless to say, I'm writing all day every day as part of my job, and I couldn't be happier because I'm doing what I love.
Is there such a thing as a typical day?
JP: I wake up in the mornings, brew some coffee, then cuddle up with a blanket on the couch as I work on my first assignment for the day. Then I'll do some yoga, shower, change into real clothes (a very important step when working from home, haha) and write for the rest of the afternoon. Since I'm by myself a lot, I try to make plans with actual human beings as often as I can. Maybe that's having lunch with an editor, co-working with some neighbors, or attending a reading with other authors at night.
What is the best part of your job?
JP: Since I was a little girl, I've always loved writing so I'm happy that I get to do that professionally and get paid for it! I also love the fact that I can make my own schedule. Being a freelancer provides so much flexibility. I can set my own hours and take on projects that I truly want to be working on.
What was your first entry-level job in your field and how did you get it?
JP: My first job out of college was Special Projects Assistant at Seventeen. This kind of dates me, but I was the one who launched the magazine's Myspace, Facebook, and Twitter pages. I also assisted editors, worked on some big partnerships like America's Next Top Model, and edited a couple of pages in the print magazine. I had interned there in college and made sure to keep in touch with all the editors. Internships pay off!
What words of wisdom (well-known quotes, an anecdote from your boss) do you find most valuable?
JP: "Figure it out." One day when I was an intern at Seventeen, I went to the executive editor and asked her how to do something for a project I was working on for her. She looked at me and said, "Figure it out." At that moment, it clicked. I was totally capable of figuring out the answer but I just wasn't thinking that way. I think everyone who's been an intern has felt like they want to do everything right so you ask a lot (almost too many) questions out of fear. But most of the time, you can save your manager the time and figure it out on your own. Of course, if there's something you truly don't know how to do or something that might get you in trouble if you make a wrong move, then, by all means, ask away!
What has been the most surreal moment of your career thus far?
JP: Holding my final book in my hand. I had wanted to write a novel for so long that it felt like I was looking at a tangible version of a dream.
What do you look for when considering hiring someone?
JP: I've hired many interns in my past, and the ones I always went with were enthusiastic about the job. If they got excited about running mundane errands or transcribing long interviews, I knew they were going to be a rockstar. And most often, the ones who did those boring tasks with a smile were the ones who ultimately got invited by editors to do the bigger more exciting assignments like red carpet interviews.
What advice would you give to a 20-something with similar aspirations?
JP: Take chances. I moved to New York City two weeks after college graduation with no job, and it was super scary, but I know I probably would have never gotten the job at Seventeen if I had stayed in Louisiana while applying. I also quit my secure full-time job to write The Young Wives Club because I knew I'd never actually do it if I had to go to an office every day. Sometimes these risks you take seem like a crazy idea at the time but they also make you work that much harder to achieve your goals because the stakes are so high. Of course have some money set aside and a backup plan just in case. And if you're not ready to take such a big step, start by just sending in your resume for that job you think there's no way you'd get. Hey, you never know!
What's the one thing that's stood out to you the most in a resume?
JP: I always loved seeing internships on there, but if you don't have that experience yet, school clubs (like newspaper or yearbook) or solo projects (like your awesome fashion blog) really stand out, too. Whatever field you're applying for, try to have something on your resume that shows you're interested in it and are taking the steps to get more experience in it.
Riverdale has had us asking the same question for the majority of Season 1: Who killed Jason Blossom? That and more were answered in the season’s penultimate episode, but I still had questions. So I chatted with Riverdale’s very own Hermione Lodge, Marisol Nichols, to get the dirt on the season finale, Hiram Lodge and what’s in store for Season 2.
Oh, He Killed Jason Blossom
We all know Clifford Blossom killed his son Jason, but why? “He wasn’t on the forefront of everyone’s mind, like, ‘Oh my god. It has to be Clifford.’ It really wasn’t set up, but it was definitely feasible,” Marisol says. “And I think that it was a good choice, where the audience wouldn’t guess right away who was the killer.”
Clifford may have killed himself before the police could get his side of the story, but we won’t have to wait long to find out his motive. According to Marisol, “It should all be wrapped up in the next episode.” Praise! Here I was thinking this part of the mystery would stretch into Season 2.
As for whether Marisol ever thought Hermione was guilty of killing Jason, it definitely crossed her mind. “When I first read [the penultimate] episode. I was like, ‘Wait a minute. Did I do it? Hold on. What?’ So yes, there were times where I was like, ‘But I was in New York.’ I thought everyone might be a suspect honestly, except for like the core four.” I think we all did.
And although the murderer is dead, don’t expect the dead bodies to stop cropping up. At the question of whether death will keep knocking on Riverdale’s door, Marisol says, “I would say that you’re right, you’re close.” Might lives be hanging in the balance at the close of Thursday’s finale? I’m thinking yes!
Finale Scoop
Speaking of the finale, which will set up the second season’s main mystery, boy did Marisol give us scoop. For instance, what will Hermione be up to? Well, in addition to having her relationship with Veronica tested yet again, Mama Lodge will be anticipating her husband Hiram’s return, following his release from jail. “We’re going to see Hermione in full prep mode of what [Hiram’s release] means for her family, living there, and what that means bringing her husband home. It’s a different operating basis,” she explains. “The Hermione that’s alone without Hiram is a completely different person than who she is when he’s around her or coming home. It’s business mode—that’s it.”
It wouldn’t be a finale without a good cliffhanger, right? But who should we be worried about? “It’s probably someone that you wouldn’t suspect would be caught up in a cliffhanger,” Marisol teases. And of course, now I’m dying to know.
What to Expect in Season 2
Because it’s never too soon to start talking about what’s happening in the next season of your favorite show, I also quizzed Marisol about what Season 2 will hold. What she knows is that Riverdale will become an even darker place to call home and Hiram is going to cause a lotttt of drama.
You just thought Hiram could stir up some trouble off screen. Just wait until Mark Consuelos joins the cast as the rule-bending businessman. Not only will he likely lay down the law when it comes to Hermione’s short-lived courtship with Fred Andrews, but Marisol predicts he’ll also take ownership over all of Riverdale.
“I’m hoping that we’re going to see his full power and what he’s capable of. But it’s Hiram, so he’s also a very, very smart businessman. Not that smart, you know, he ended up in prison, but he’s also out, really fast,” Marisol says. “So I think we’re going to see that strength and that power come into Riverdale and how that’s going to affect Hermione and Veronica.” From her lips to the writers’ ears hopefully!
Marisol is used to slaying IRL—she recently received the Presidential Volunteer Service Award from Barack Obama for her work to end human trafficking (Um, wow!)—so she would like to see Hermione take a little power for herself, too. “I’d like to see her get in trouble. But I’d also like to see her rule the place. Like, I want to see her strength and her power and her survival instincts.” Agreed!
If you weren’t already on the edge of your seat, you should be now.
Don’t miss the Riverdale finale Thursday at 9/8c on The CW!
The opinions expressed in this article are the author's own and do not reflect the views of Her Campus.
By Taylor Woods
I am a 6-year-old girl, swinging my short legs from a comfy bench, blowing bubbles at my dad’s face as I watch his glasses film over. All is great, right? Well, what I have failed to mention here is that I’m actually positioned securely in a hospital exam room, with four doctors closely watching me, and a needle slowly entering my head. All of this, because I was recently diagnosed with a brain tumor.
That was the start of the scholarship essay I submitted a billion times, which earned me exactly one scholarship. The essay goes on to talk about how, despite this condition that ruled my childhood and much of my life in general, I was determined to succeed in life.
But I am well aware that I can't do it all on my own. My parents are my rock, and my school has given me multiple accommodations for my disability. Plus, I'm currently on multiple health insurances, including Medicaid, to help me pay for my health care bills.
And I’m terrified of Congress and the Trump administration’s decision to repeal the Affordable Care Act.
I’m not sure I’ll ever forget the day that my older brother, an avid Trump supporter, told me that he couldn’t care less about my ability to receive care. It was in the months leading up to the election. I was home for a graduation, and like at any family gathering, politics weaseled their way into the conversation.
For me, there was no question who I’d be voting for after I saw Trump mock a disabled person. With that, I needed no more persuading. I knew he didn't respect people with special needs and, with his win, both my commercial insurance and my Medicaid would be at stake. And heaven forbid my tumor ever decides to gain a life again and cause me to need a $100,000 surgery.
When I explained this to my brother, he looked straight at me and said, “Doesn’t matter—it’s not society’s problem.” I promptly followed my mom upstairs and cried on her bed.
After Trump’s victory, and after every move he's made toward abolishing my insurance since then, I would text my mom almost in tears and tell her how scared I was. She would reassure me with typical smart mom logic: “We wait and hope, and we keep the conversation going, and we rest assured that we can fight that battle when it comes.” And she’s right. My life has been filled with battles. Why would I let this monster stop me now?
With Thursday’s vote, the House of Representatives has agreed to effectively cut the Medicaid budget by $880 billion over the span of 10 years, and pre-existing conditions will become much more expensive to cover. I mean, I want to spend the rest of my life working at a nonprofit for kids with special needs. I can’t afford to do that and also be discriminated against based on a brain tumor.
When I got on social media on Thursday and discovered the news, I was heartbroken. My body went cold. My eyes got watery. I posted about my feelings on Facebook and had so much love pour in from friends and family. But about half those people encouraged the situation to happen in the first place. Half of them voted for Trump, cheered for these new bills, and posted sickening memes and rants along the way.
All I could think was, “You asked for this to happen to me. How could you do this to me?”
I think back to the little girl battling the enemy in her own head, and question how I was so brave. I start to wonder if it’s because I had so much trust in those around me. My parents were pillars of strength, my doctors and clinical team were legit tumor killers, and my community at home was full of superheroes.
All those players are still as fierce as they were, but maybe my perspective isn’t. Am I starting to lose my faith in humanity? Am I tough enough to conquer what the world has dealt me this time? You bet I am. Watch me.
The opinions expressed in this article are the author's own and do not reflect the views of Her Campus.
Ever since I was little, my hair was always a cause of stress and self-consciousness. For such a little girl I had huge, curly, and unruly hair—it was either super goofy and frizzy when it was straightened or just a nest of hair sitting on top of my head. I remember sitting in my bedroom as young as 7 years old and my mom behind me, brushing out and blowing my hair. I would cry from the pressure of the brush, and I’d be lying if I said one never broke in my hair. Blowing my hair out was a task for my mother and one that I never really got the hang of.
As I got older, I tried to embrace my curly hair and scrunch it with gel and mousse, but it still never was what I wanted. It would frizz and dry weird, always becoming large like a lion's mane. When I entered high school, I soon discovered how to straighten my own hair. It was a process that took more than two hours, and I’d be so afraid of having to do it again that I wouldn’t wash my hair for a week. Mind you, I never blew my hair out because I was incapable of blowing my hair straight. It would just frizz out like a bird’s nest and almost made it more troublesome.
A post shared by Autumn Berres (@autumn_stylistmke) on
That brings me to a couple years ago when I just couldn’t take it anymore. I had just graduated college and needed some serious hair help. I had been meaning to check out keratin treatments but wanted to go to a hair dresser I trusted and knew, so I waited until I returned to my hometown. A keratin treatment is a hair treatment that smooths and straightens your hair. Your hair is made up of keratin so the treatment restores the protein in your hair. The process takes about two to three hours to perform, after wish you have to wait at least 48 hours to wash your hair. My hairdressers have also told me not to put my hair up in a tight bun or ponytail because it can create a semi-permanent dent in your hair once the keratin is complete. You also must use a sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner to preserve the keratin, which isn’t a big deal because they’re ALL over the market these days!
I chose to get my keratin in June so I would get the most out of it during the summer months when it’s too hot to blow out or straighten your hair. The process was long but worth it; my hair was completely changed for the better. Since that fateful June day, I’ve gotten two more keratin treatments and am planning on getting one this summer.
There was no more styling my hair, no more worrying about my hair getting wet and drying weird; my hair was smooth, straight, and shiny as soon as I stepped out of the shower. The first time I washed my hair after the treatment, I almost cried tears of joy. I watched my hair dry straight with a few little waves and couldn’t believe it. I felt like a new person.
The author after her keratin treatment
There were a few minor cons to a treatment but the pros surely outweigh them. While getting the treatment, the smell of the product is very overpowering; most hair dressers will give you a face mask to keep on while they apply it to your locks, but your eyes water and it smells pretty bad. That smell will linger the first few washes but it’s not nearly as powerful.
Also, as I mentioned before, you can’t wash your hair for 48 hours, which can be troublesome for some. The treatment also caused my hair to be a little more on the oily side, and that side effect has stuck with me till this day. Like I said, those are not deal breakers for me because the payoff is that much better.
The cause of constant stress was finally lifted off my head. I will never regret getting a keratin treatment, because it gave me more confidence and helped me focus on other important things besides getting my hair in tip-top shape.
As if you need more motivation to maintain a 4.0, turns out those straight A’s could convince Nicki Minaj to pay your tuition.
When Nicki took to Twitter Saturday night to promote a contest that would allow a lucky fan to attend the Billboard Music Awards with her, one genius responded with an idea for a different giveaway: money for college.
Minaj said if the fan could prove he had straight A’s, she would pay up. How’s that for a contest?
Requests started flooding in, with fans tweeting pictures of their report cards and student loan bank statements. One fan asked for $6,000, which would cover 16 hours of classes, room and board, a meal plan and fees. Another wanted help paying for a professional camera so he could study production in audiovisual media.
@NICKIMINAJ nic, I'm going to study production in audiovisual media and I need a professional camera can you help me? Here's the proof pic.twitter.com/ZJksCsTQIx
Nicki’s Twitter feed is full of responses to around 30 fans’ tuition, loan and supply requests. All she required was school verification and bank information.
Emmanuel Macron, a former economy minister, is celebrating after winning the French presidential election on a centrist independent platform. According to Politico, Macron defeated populist candidate Marine Le Pen by a 66 percent to 34 percent margin.
While Macron is likely enthusiastic after his victory, many of the French citizens are also equally elated by the results of the election.
Macron’s opposition, Le Pen, has a far-right political stance, and was unofficially endorsed by U.S. President Donald Trump. According to The Washington Post, Trump said that the Paris police shooting in April would have a “big effect” on the French presidential race and would “probably help” Le Pen during the election. You know—one of Trump’s famous predictions.
During the election, Le Pen threatened to exit the European Union if she won, similar to Brexit in Britain. Thankfully, Macron’s triumph brings hope that France will remain in the EU. But leaving the EU wasn’t the most extreme promise Le Pen made during her campaign trail. According to Business Insider, she tapped into France's xenophobia by promising to deport any migrant who has been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor (sound familiar?).
Now that he's won, Macron hopes to create solidarity in a divided France. According to The New York Times, Macron told the French people after his election, “I understand the divisions of our country that have led some to vote for extremists. I understand the anger, the anxiety, the doubts that a great part among us have also expressed.” Naturally, polarizing candidates would create tension within a country.
Although Macron’s win and his promise for unity are reassuring, Condoleezza Rice, a former secretary of State, told USA Today’s Capital Download that the world still needs to be cautious of candidates with extreme views.
“I really do believe that these populists are changing the character of the politics just by being there, so even mainstream candidates are having to respond to their agenda,” Rice says. Rice continued, “The rise of nativism is having an impact on the politics, even if the candidates aren’t winning.” So even if a more moderate candidate beats a far-leaning candidate in a political election, politics could still be impacted by the extreme candidate’s platform.
Rice’s explanation makes complete sense. Even if a candidate, like Le Pen, loses a political race, she has still gathered a significant amount of followers. Because of this, Le Pen’s campaign has made it seem socially acceptable for French citizens to socially ostracize immigrants. Now is Macron’s time to realign a country that has been divided by this election.
When it comes to hair removal in your bikini area, cultural trends as of late have promoted a do-it-yourself tactic that offers women everywhere a way to save time and money––and an alternative to the dreaded visit to the Brazilian waxing salon. But, just how safe and beneficial is it to shave down there with a razor? We’ve consulted Dr. Lauren F. Streicher, MD, a Clinical Associate Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology in the Feinberg School of Medicine at Northwestern Memorial Hospital and author of Sex Rx: Hormones, Health, and Your Best Sex Ever and The Essential Guide to Hysterectomy: Advice from a Gynecologist on Your Choice Before, During, and After Surgery to find out the truth. Read below for five reasons you should not shave your pubic hair:
1. The decision to remove (or not remove) the hair in your bikini area is personal
In this generation, it might seem like collegiettes everywhere are supporters of a “clean” bikini area, opting for a look that is hair-free. However, statistics show that this is not the case.
A report published by the American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology shed some light on pubic hair removal. According to the study, 40.9 percent of women who stopped using a razor to shave this region attributed it to disliking the side effects, such as stubble, bumps, rashes, or ingrown hairs. Other popular reasons women stopped shaving were feeling like it was too much of a hassle, a lack of sexual activity, liking the look of pubic hair, and their partners wanted them to stop.
Margeaux Biché, a sophomore at Barnard College, is a big advocate for shaving down there less. “I used to shave my bikini area probably once every week or every other week, and now I probably do so once every couple of months (unless I have some sort of event that might dictate shaving,” she says. “I have found that, as a result, my pubic hair grows WAY more slowly and I think it has gotten slightly thinner as well!” Margeaux is not alone.
For Julie*, another college student, shaving down there is just not worth it. "I've just found that it is always extremely irritating to the skin ––it gets very itchy as it grows back and ingrown hairs in my pubic region are scary because they can be confused with warts, pimples, or a staph infection," she says. "Hair is natural and serves a purpose. Of course, it is important to manage your pubic hair for sanitary reasons, but it was given to us as a shield." If hair removal down there is just not for you ––rest assured knowing you are not alone!
2. There are some minor health complications involved
Pubic hair removal is a modern-day trend, but is it really safe? Not necessarily. According to the study, it may result in unfavorable health consequences including skin irritation, vulvar and vaginal irritation or infection, and even possibly the spread of sexually transmitted diseases. Other minor health risks that come with shaving your bikini region may include epidermal abrasions (shallow wounds to the skin), ingrown hairs, hair follicule imflamation, vulva inflamation, or rashes.
Dr. Streicher notes that most health complications are nothing major. "There is always a possibility of nicking, as it is a lot harder to see what you are doing," she says. "From an infection point of view, there is not a huge issue ––there have been a few studies done, but the numbers have been small." Even if you get your bikini area waxed, you still risk burns to the skin simply because the skin down there is delicate.
It varies from individual to individual, but sometimes, irritation is just inevitable. "There are some people who get bumps no matter what they do," Dr. Streicher says.
3. Pubic hair helps your body in multiple ways
While in the grand scheme of things, humans have much less body hair than other animals, the hair we do have is not accidental ––and this goes for pubic hair, as well! According to Dr. Streicher, pubic hair exists to serve many purposes. "Biologically, there is a reason we have pubic hair," she says. "From a medical point of view, it decreases friction and lubrication."
Additionally, hair down there acts as a cushion during intercourse and help men maintain an erection. "When you have two bodies that are rubbing together, pubic hair stops friction and decreases potential discomfort," she says. "It keeps the gentials warm ––and for a guy trying to maintain an erection, you have to have warm genitals. It is also a way to find your way to the genitals. If you have a big patch of pubic hair, it says, 'Hey, here is where you go!'" Who knew pubic hair was offered our bodies so many benefits?
As you have probably noticed on your own body, pubic hair tends to be a completely different texture than, say, the hair on your head. Most medical experts agree that this is because of pheromones, or chemicals that are secreted in our sweat and other bodily fluids, and influence the behavior of the opposite sex.
Wait, what? You read that right! Pheromones are believed to trigger sexual interest and excitement. So, hair in the bikini region can actually act as a pheromone-enhanced product that increases your natural appeal to the opposite sex.
While pheromones may influence arousal to some extent, Dr. Streicher believes that the desired look of a vagina is ultimately a personal preference. "I really think what is far more important is what a person finds most erotic," she says. "Some men prefer no pubic hair, but others think that that is just creepy. Appearance has a much bigger impact on arousal than pheromones." Either way, it is foolish to believe that having hair in the bikini region will turn a sexual partner away. In fact, it may do the opposite!
5. There are better (& safer) alternatives
In the age of bare bikini regions, is there a method that is “safest” when it comes to hair removal? As you can probably assume, professional waxing and electrolysis (removing individual hairs from the body using chemical or heat energy) result in the least amount of irritation, allergies or other medical complications.
Margeaux is a supporter of professional removal. “As for waxing, I’ve only ever done that a few times [but] when I did it professionally, it worked super well and hair growth really slowed down,” Margeaux says. “When I did it myself, though, it was a complete failure ––I literally removed zero hair.” Hair removal is not as simple as it looks, ladies!
Amber*, a student at Florida Atlantic University, prefers Brazilian waxes. "I started getting them about two years ago and they changed my life," she says. "Of course, this isn't scientific, but I feel like the experience and results just feel cleaner than shaving. Plus, yes, I have experienced pretty painful cuts and irritation while shaving." However, Amber adds that the cost of waxing is not so great.
No matter the which method you choose, Dr. Streicher emphasizes that professional removal is both expensive and painful ––and that some red bumps will commonly show up no matter what. "I think that from a purely medical point of view, carefully clipping [your pubic hair] is always going to be better," she says. "But, there is nothing wrong with shaving as long as you are comfortable. I don't have a problem with waxing, I just think it takes a rare person to be able to self-wax." We could not agree more.
So, what is Dr. Streicher's final advice for the removal of hair down there? "Like anything else, use common sense," she says. "It's not like there is a huge scientific literature out there about the removal of pubic hair. Keep in mind that genital hairstyles tend to come and go, and what is in style today might not be in style tomorrow."
Like any other decision you have to make in life, the decision to shave down there is always yours and yours only. Make sure you are choosing what makes you look––and more importantly, feel––most comfortable!
Haven’t we all learned by this point that actress Lena Dunham is so much more than her weight? The Girls star has been willing to discuss her health, including her struggle with endometriosis, but that’s not the same as obsessing over her size or image. Not to mention she has used her own recovery as a platform to advocate for women’s health care and people fighting chronic illnesses.
Apparently, Us Weekly didn't get the memo, despite the fact that Lena has spoken out against coverage of her recent weight loss time and time again. The magazine, which Dunham didn’t specifically name, featured Lena on their cover alongside the blaring headline "20 Slimdown Diet Tips Stars Are Using."
Naturally, Dunham was not here for it and took to Instagram to put the diet tips in her own words.
6. baseless but still harrowing threats to physical safety online and through smail mail
7. watching institutions you love from Planned Parenthood to PBS be threatened by cartoon mustache-twirling villains
8. finally realizing superheroes aren't real (specifically the X-Factor, really thought they'd handle this)
9. marching your ass off
10. a quiet rage that replaces need for food with need for revenge
11. sleeping 19 hours a day
12. realizing that even the liberal media wants dem clicks no matter whut
13. worrying ceaselessly about the health and safety of women you know and women you don't
14. realizing who ya real friends are
15. having to switch from Uber to Lyft (lots of calories burned trying to understand a new app, then even more trying to understand if the conflict was resolved)
16. bladder spasms, urinary frequency and urgency *
17. having your phone number leaked and violent images texted to your phone by randos under names like VERYFATCHUCKYBOY@creepz.com
18. keeping your back arched against the wind
19. um, who the fuck cares?
20. I have no tips I give no tips I don't want to be on this cover cuz it's diametrically opposed to everything I've fought my whole career for and it's not a compliment to me because it's not an achievement thanx * Star indicates a pre-existing condition."
My personal favorite is “a quiet rage that replaces need for food with need for revenge.” Here’s to Lena, who refuses to conform to diet culture and brings actual news to the forefront.
The MTV Movie & TV Awards took place Sunday night and gave us all sorts of fashion inspo. The outfits ranged from sexy dresses to ultra-chic relaxed looks, and everything had me feeling extremely envious that my daily life doesn't revolve around walking on a paparazzi-filled red carpet. Here are a few of the best looks straight from the event.
1. Cara Delevingne
Cara rocked her buzzed hairstyle with this edgy black mini dress and hot over-the-knee boots. The result was jaw-dropping!
2. Noah Cyrus
Noah's typical cool-girl style came through in this all-black ensemble, featuring an ultra-chic oversized black blazer.
3. Jasmine Tookes
This sexy blue dress is everything on Jasmine!
4. Jillian Rose Reed
Fun prints are always a great way to go, especially when you can show some extra skin with a deep V and high leg slit. Great choice, Jillian!
5. Vanessa Grimaldi (and Nick Viall)
Vanessa always slays with her dress choices, and this off-the-shoulder black number did not disappoint!
6. Millie Bobby Brown
Millie's all-white look and slicked back hair was the perfect combination!
7. Hailee Steinfeld
Hailee showed a little extra skin with her mini purple dress with perfectly placed side cut-outs!
8. Shay Mitchell
Shay always looks incredibly fierce, and this animal print dress certainly made it happen for her!
9. Mary Elizabeth Winstead
This open-back blue dress was a stunning and unique choice for the actress, and it looked incredible on her.
If only every day was a red carpet event so we could dress as amazing as these celebs!
What do Victoria's Secret, Target and Ralph Lauren have in common? That's right, they were all called out for Photoshopping their models to superhuman proportions. In those cases, it was obvious that the photos had been retouched, but what about the thousands of images we are exposed to that aren't so obviously meddled with? After eight years of efforts, France has offered a solution that could make a huge difference in how young girls and women are affected by the media.
According to Who What Wear, a new French law will soon require every ad campaign that uses Photoshop to include the caption "photographie retouchée," which literally translates to "retouched photograph," as you probably inferred. Failure to abide by this rule will result in fines of up 37,500 euros (or $41,000), according to The New York Times.
Although this measure only applies to advertisements and not to purely editorial content, it is a significant step forward for body inclusivity, a step that could deter advertisers from modifying models' bodies in the first place. In the long term, this could have a real impact on readers' self-image. Is it just me, or is France killing it lately?
Moving out of your college dorm can be a bit overwhelming considering most of your belongings have been squeezed into one tiny side of a room for the past eight months or so. Moving out does not seem like nearly as much fun as moving in because it seems like an end to another chapter in your life. With these tricks, however, you’ll make move-out day hassle free and you’ll have more time to reminisce than stress.
1. Make a schedule
To avoid panicking and throwing everything in black garbage bags the night before move-out day, it’s a good idea to make a plan. Move-out day is also finals season, and we know how stressed you are from that. The last thing you want to do after studying all night is to pack up your entire room and unpack it when you finally get home. To avoid this, you should make a schedule to pack things day-by-day instead of all at once.
Kristen Perrone, a senior at Siena College, says, “If possible, try to coordinate around your roommate/housemates' moving out schedule. It's a little hectic when two or more people are moving out at the same time, especially if it's a tiny dorm room you're sharing, so even if it's just starting to pack a couple days before leaving when your roommate isn't home so you have space to move stuff around without bothering anyone, it's worth it!”
We totally agree with Kristen! Sharing the packing schedule with your roommate(s) will avoid any overwhelmingly stressful situations. You wouldn’t want to mix up any belongings!
2. Purchase necessary packing materials
Boxes, tape, scissors and Sharpies are all necessary things few people tend to consider when moving out. These are crucial and help make things a little bit more organized when moving out. If you’re moving furniture or other heavy items, make sure you book your moving truck and/or storage facility in advance and add that to the schedule.
Bea Prats, a freshman at Lehigh University, says, “After countless weeks of studying for my finals the last thing I want to do is drive to the store and pick up boxes, so I make sure I do this well in advance. I can’t stand disorderly packing either so I really need to have a system.”
Disorderly packing sounds like a nightmare, especially when you will eventually need to unpack things. We advise you to customize your shopping list to possibly include things like packing foam or bubble wrap for delicate items.
Make a packing list and clearly label moving boxes! We cannot stress this enough. Descriptive labels will help you when you finally decide to unpack because we know how much of a struggle that can be too. Whether you’re living on or off campusnext year, you’ll want to know where all of your things are. Sorting through piles of clothes is much easier when you have a label like “short-sleeved shirts.”
The packing list will make sure you don’t forget anything and that all your belongings are accounted for.
4. Pack your daily essentials together
Make a box of daily essentials so you aren’t rummaging through many boxes just to find makeup remover. With boxes all over the place, you'll be grateful that you set aside the things you use every morning and night.
5. Get help from friends/family
Even the strongest of us needs a little help from some to time. Lindsey Allen, a senior at the University of New Haven, says, "I try to have my dad come visit me the weekend before to take home the big stuff, like shelves and the rack over my bed. I'm only inconvenienced for a couple of days without them and it makes move-out day so much easier."
By reaching out to your loved ones, packing will not only be easier, but you'll have more fun doing it alongside your pals.
With these three tips, we’re sure move-out day will be less hassle and more efficient. Hope this helps, and good luck, collegiettes!
Brace yourselves, Harry Styles fans. Today, the former boy band member released his first solo music video and it is everything and more. The video for his first single, "Sign of the Times," features Harry flying through the air like a literal angel and the internet can not handle it. Scroll below to see for yourself.
If you love everything Disney and fairytale related then you are not going to be happy with this news. Especially if you've been watching ABC's Once Upon A Time since it first aired six years ago.
According to Cosmopolitan, Jennifer Morrison, aka Emma Swan aka lovechild of Snow White and Prince Charming aka queen of everything, is officially leaving OUAT after season 6 ends. She announced the news via Instagram saying "after very careful consideration, I have decided that creatively and personally, it is time for me to move on." Cue the tears.
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Although Morrison's six-year contract has come to an end, the star said that this is not the end of the road for Swan. "If ABC Network does in fact order a season 7, I have agreed to appear in one episode, and I will most certainly continue to watch ONCE UPON A TIME," she said.
It is the end of an era and my heart is broken. What is a fairytale without a savior?
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