In all my twenty-something years of life, I've never sported anything other than my jet black hair. Okay, there was that time in college when I took the bus to the grocery store and, on impulse, decided to stop at the salon next door instead to spend my measly college budget on an ~edgy~ streak of purple rather than on food (I am now older and wiser and definitely do not advise this). That streak turned orange that same night when I fell into a heavily chlorinated pool—but that's a story for another time. For the most part, hair color was never something I experimented with. I liked my hair the way it was—black goes with everything, after all.

Well, that all changed. Being in my twenties, I'm in this place where I feel like I need try EVERYTHING, immediately. So what better time than the present to run with the trend and go platinum? I started my research, and came across Sable Yong's piece on xoVain about what it took to get her Asian hair platinum. It sort of sounded like the worst experience in the world but DAMN did she look good. Extreme pain + an exorbitant amount of money = platinum blonde? Probably not the best idea, but... SOLD.

Fast forward a couple weeks, and there I was in the stylist's chair at Lunatic Fringe, a local salon in Salt Lake City. I'd been prepping in advance with overnight coconut oil hair masks every night for a week leading up to my appointment, and—this is important—PAINKILLERS about half an hour before heading in. Full disclosure, I took way more than what's recommended on the bottle and it still hurt like hell, but we'll get to that in a minute.

V scared, trying to maintain my composure

My stylist Cajun Howe (seriously, bless his soul for being so damn patient) sat me down and jumped right into it. He chopped a few inches off my locks first; I was planning on going shorter, so there was no reason to bleach all of my hair, but we kept a little length so there'd be more to cut after bleaching. I mean, it makes sense. I was going to be frying my hair, so being able to trim the ends afterwards would be a smart move. 

AND THEN IT BEGAN. Cajun slathered my entire head with bleach. It wasn't so bad. I felt nothing more than a slight tingling and patted myself on the back for thinking ahead and taking all that ibuprofen. I also prayed that it wouldn't get worse, because my tolerance for pain basically doesn't exist. I mean, I once made my boyfriend late to his first day of work (sorry, Charlie) because I had to get blood drawn and was being a child about it, in case that helps paint you a picture of what I am capable of handling. But LOL, this was all about to get significantly worse, and naive me sat there thinking I could be a real adult and handle it.

Here I am looking smug af... If only I'd known what was to come

The rest of day one turned into sort of a waiting game. And a long one, at that—four hours, to be exact. We did a double process to lift as much color as possible from my heavily pigmented hair. There were moments of searing pain—as in, my scalp was burning so hot it started to feel cold. It was going to be "spicy," Cajun warned me. It was spicy AND THEN SOME. Oh, and that smell—a combination of bleach and burning hair... it was enough to make my eyes water.

10/10 do not recommend this fragrance

Two rounds later, my dark hair was history. But it wasn't anywhere where I wanted it to be. I knew it'd be a long process, but that in-between period is the absolute worst. I kept thrusting my inspo photos at Cajun, asking him if he REALLY thought I'd reach platinum (I'm annoying). He kept assuring me that no, really, this is how it's supposed to go.

Not quite the look I was going for

As evening hit and the salon started emptying, we did one more round with foils—thankfully avoiding my roots. Newer hair that's closer to the scalp lifts more quickly than the ends, so to even out my hair color, we had to do a little extra throughout the rest of my hair. It didn't change my color that much; by the end of it, my hair still sort of looked like a "campfire," as Cajun called it. Accurate. It was at this point that a part of me started panicking—What have I done? I'm going to have to go into hiding! Which tbh is fine because I work from home anyway. But then I was like YOLO (do you kids still say that these days?), worse things have happened. It gave me the strength to keep my eye on the prize, but not enough to go out into public just yet. I mean, I went to the drive-thru at Wendy's for dinner, because it was either that or starve.

When I got home, my cat literally DID NOT RECOGNIZE ME

Since I wasn't about to walk around with orange hair (NOT with my skin tone!) for longer than necessary, I went in to see Cajun the next day. Depending on the condition of your hair, this may or may not be advisable—you might have to wait up to a few weeks, but you'll have to discuss this with your stylist. I was feeling pretty good—despite the pain from the first day, there had been no damage to my scalp, and my hair was actually feeling really healthy. Having good hair was something I'd always been proud of; I actually hadn't blow-dried or heat-styled my hair in about two years prior to this appointment. "The hard part is over," Cajun told me as I sat down. Maybe he was trying to put my in a positive state of mind, which worked for about two seconds until we once again slathered my hair in bleach. I thought I was going to pass out from the SEARING PAIN (yes, even post-ibuprofen). I mean, I could actually hear the bleach sizzling.

So this is a good look

I'll spare you a close-up, but if you *really* want to, feel free to lean in and get a good look at the side of my face, where blisters were already starting to form—and this was only the beginning of what was about to be a 6 hour day. Twice, we processed my hair like this, before aggressively toning my hair to get it closer to the white blonde I was after.

alice-chen-hair-blonde.png

Was I in pain? Yes. But was I happy with the progress? Also yes.

Hours later, we were finally done with the bleach. A blissful cool rinse later, I was like, hallelujah. That feeling didn't last for long, though. We still had two rounds of toner to go; one to tone out the orange hues, and another to take care of the yellow. Cajun didn't bother with gloves, so I thought I'd be fine, too. Nope—turns out when you put more chemicals on a scalp that's been burned raw, it burns even more. Should've known. Pain-wise, toning was THE. WORST. I was shaking. I thought I was maybe going to pee my pants. I gripped the salon chair like my life depended on it (which it sort of did). This explains the lack of photos during this process. Trust me, you're not missing out, you didn't really want to see visuals of me ugly-crying/on the verge of passing out anyway.

So, let's just fast forward. Cajun finally did the big reveal and there I was, staring at myself in the mirror as an actual blonde. Everybody in the salon ooh-ed and ahh-ed, because let's be real, I didn't start out with many believers. Well, here we are now.

Screen Shot 2016-03-31 at 8.17.21 PM.png

It's only been a day and I still have the battle scars from the experience (TMI scabs are literally flaking off my scalp as we speak)... but I am full on IN LOVE. I love how my new hair looks with my wardrobe (even though there might be some colors I can't wear anymore). Bold lipstick shades look even better against the bright blonde. Do blondes have more fun? TBD, because I spent the rest of the night petting my cat and watching Netflix.

As for how my hair is doing? My once-healthy hair actually isn't as bad as it could be, but it's certainly not in the best condition—it's still crazy porous, so it has this weird, slug-like texture when wet. It takes forever to dry, but when it's dry, IT'S DRY. As in, I could pour an entire bottle of olive oil on my head and I'm 99 percent sure my strands would soak it right up. I've stocked my bathroom with an arsenal of masks, oils, leave-in conditioners and just about every hair product you can think of to try to restore my new mane to its old condition. I'll let you know how that goes later... but in the meantime, I'm going to go enjoy the blonde life.

My sweatpants are saved solely for exam season, usually paired hair that hasn’t been washed in a few days, no makeup and the first pair of sneakers I could find on my way out of the door. Sweatpants are made for comfort, not fashion, which seems to be an unwritten rule in college. Trust me—no one is wearing their sweats from their high school sports team to attract a date for formal.

Kim Kardashian West proved with her latest outfit that sweatpants can be fashionable, and aren’t always so comfortable. The Keeping Up With The Kardashians star stepped out Tuesday in sweatpants and heeled booties—which might be one of the most confusing outfits I’ve ever seen. KKW’s sweats look so comfortable, I just want to curl up on the couch and watch Netflix in them, while her heels make my feet ache just by looking at them.

Kim dressed head-to-toe in Kanye West’s fashion line, including her pendant necklace that retails for a staggering $10,010. In a recent interview with Vogue, Kim divulged that she would be changing up her go-to summer look, saying “I’m trying to be a step up from where I wore sneakers and sweats all the time.” With the help of her hubby, Kim was able to keep half of her promises, ditching the sneakers, but keeping the sweats. All in the name of fashion, amirite?

Into Kim’s look, but not ready to spend the money on Yeezy? Here are some alternatives, so that you too can leave people wondering whether your outfit is for fashion or function: 

1. New Balance Jogger Sweatpants ($39 at Lord & Taylor)

2. ASOS LOUNGE Jogger ($31.58 at ASOS)

3. Express One Eleven Heathered Oversized Sweatshirt ($59.90 at Express)

4. Rag & Bone Knotted Cotton and Modal-Blend Jersey Sweatshirt ($135 at The Outnet)

5. The Sak Lace Stone Pendant Necklace ($44 at Lord & Taylor)

6. Kate Spade New York 'Golden Age' Pendant Necklace ($98 at SHOPBOP)

7. Lace Up Pointed Shoe Boots ($70 at Nasty Gal)

8. Embroidered Floral Boots ($45 at Forever 21)

Harry Styles is no stranger to feminism. As a role model (and celebrity crush) to many young girls, Styles is unafraid to use his fame as a platform to speak up about equality, and how women, and especially his fans, are represented in the media. In a recent interview with Rolling Stone, Styles said, “How can you say young girls don’t get it? They’re our future. Our future doctors, lawyers, mothers, presidents, they kind of keep the world going. Teenage-girl fans—they don’t lie. If they like you, they’re there. They don’t act ‘too cool.’ They like you, and they tell you. Which is sick.”

Not only is Harry an outspoken feminist, but he is also a style icon in his own right. Styles regularly takes fashion risks, and even enjoys twinning with his band in super-sharp Gucci loafers. 

At the airport this past Tuesday, Harry combined his passions for feminism and fashion, sporting a plain white t-shirt that read “women are smarter.” Not only is the shirt stylish AF, but it's charitable as well. Partial proceeds from the sale of these tees are donated to Planned Parenthood. You can buy your own, and channel your inner Harry, here. 

I love seeing celebrities use the attention they get from fans and the media to discuss causes they care about. Styles has a new album out now that he could be putting all of his efforts into promoting, buthe is continues to fight for what he believes in at the same time. Snaps for Harry!

There are two types of people in this world: those who enjoy working out and those who would really rather not. Well collegiettes, it’s time to rethink fitness. With these seven simple steps, you can go from couch potato to fitness fanatic and make working out your favorite part of the day. Don’t believe us? Try it for yourself!

1. Think about the benefits

youth-570881_1920.jpg

Before you even put that sports bra on, it’s important to reconsider what fitness means to you. Being “in shape” is not just synonymous with looking good—it’s about feeling good too! We talked to Melanie Ludwig, personal trainer and owner of Prestige Fitness in New Hampshire, to figure out just what working out is all about. “When your body is in better condition, just like when a car is tuned up correctly, it will run better,” she says. Think fewer colds, more energy and a good night’s sleep—and that doesn’t even begin to cover it.

According to the Mayo Clinic, regular exercise boosts HDL (that’s the good kind of cholesterol) and lowers triglycerides (that’s the bad). This combo ensures the blood is pumped with less effort and more efficiency through your body, helping to decrease your chance of cardiovascular disease. Exercise can also stimulate chemicals in your brain to improve your mood. Even just a thirty minute walk can leave you feeling happier.

To begin feeling the benefits, Ludwig suggests that you walk or stretch for ten minutes for each hour of studying. “When you get back to your desk refreshed, you will be able to study longer and retain more knowledge,” she says.

2. Set goals, but start small

physiotherapy-595529_1920.jpg

Everyone has to start somewhere, and for each person, that starting point is different. Justine SanFilippo, health coach and author of Lose Your Inches Without Losing Your Mind, makes nutrition and wellness as simple and easy as possible for clients. “I always recommend to start with just 15 minutes per day,” she says. “Maybe go for a walk, walk the dog, take the stairs instead of the elevator, try an exercise video or app or do some bodyweight exercises in your living room.” Start with SanFilippo’s recommended 15 minutes a day of your favorite active activity and then work up to 30 minutes or more! The American Heart Association recommends just 30 minutes of moderate exercise a day to reap huge health benefits. 

SanFilippo recommends taking advantage of the free initial personal training sessions most gyms offer to gain access to a professional that can help get you started with a personal workout plan. “You are never obligated to sign up for more sessions, and you can get more comfortable in the gym very quickly,” she says. Before your session is up, sit down with the professional to set small goals and simple workout plans that you can do on your own.

Starting small keeps your goals realistic. Harvard Medical School recommends waiting at least 48 hours between strength training sessions to let muscles recover. If you’ve never picked up a set of weights before, going straight for the 20-pounders isn’t going to do you any favors. You could even pull a muscle. Master the five-pound dumbbells and then slowly (but surely!) work your way to heavier and harder weights once the original dumbbells get easy.

3. Ditch the gym—yup, you heard that right! 

runner-405773_1920.jpg

Maybe that free personal training session was just the confirmation you needed to know you can’t stand treadmills and will be ditching the gym for good. Don’t think you’re off the hook that easily! Lauren Velez, a junior at the University of Texas - Austin, used to have to force herself to go to the gym. “I eventually decided to stop making mundane gym trips and start doing things I actually liked,” she says. When you stop forcing it, the rest will come naturally. Pick your poison: whether it’s kickboxing, Zumba or even just treading water in the pool with friends, find something that makes exercise feel less like a workout, and more like a fun break from the rest of your day.

4. Recruit a workout buddy

5487409751_a18eae4f45_b.jpg

Getting yourself motivated is half the battle—instead, find someone else to motivate you! And in return, you’ll do the same for them. Katie Schlaikowski, a senior at Winona State University, could never stick to a workout regimen. This time, she recruited a workout buddy and began putting gym dates with her roommate into her schedule. “She’s definitely been my motivator,” Katie says. “We push each other to learn exercises, run faster and get out of bed to go to the gym.”

Ludwig suggests enlisting a friend for a positive influence and a little friendly competition. “Sometimes a friendly wager is fun with a friend,” she says. “Whoever loses five pounds first has to take the other one out to lunch—a healthy lunch.”

5. Pencil it in

notepad-407197_1920 (1).jpg

“Time, or should I say, lack of time, is the most common reason people cite for not exercising,” Ludwig says. Just like Katie started putting workouts into her schedule, the best way to fit working out into your schedule is to actually schedule it in. As far as time goes, head to the gym when it is least busy. That way, you don’t have to worry about seasoned gym-goers watching you work out or fighting for time on the machines. For college gyms, that means the time between late morning and early afternoon, when most classes are still in session.

Pull out your planner and pencil in three weeks worth of your favorite workout class, or even just an evening walk. If it is written in from the beginning, you are more likely to schedule everything else around your new fitness habit and actually stick to the workout plan. 

6. Kick it up a notch

dumb-bell-670061_1920.jpg

Once your routine starts to feel easier, give your workout a boost! “When things get easy, increase the intensity or lengthen the time you exercise but try not to do both at the same time,” Ludwig says. Let’s say you run on a treadmill and have been doing two miles in 40 minutes. Step it up by raising your incline, increasing your time or kicking up your pace. Pick one factor to work on and once that becomes a breeze, move on to the next challenge!

And instead of focusing on the same workout every time, try mixing it up a little. “One day I’ll do a boxing class, another I’ll take a spin class, another I’ll just do weights in the gym, another I’ll do a Crossfit class, and another day, I just take my dog on a long walk or hike,” SanFilippo says. “By changing up your workouts, your body is always guessing, so it keeps getting stronger and never gets bored.” If your campus offers fitness classes, find some that interest you and put them into your planner. Bonus points if you recruit a friend to come with you!

7. Don’t be a sore loser… literally

stretching-muscles-579122_1920.jpg

There’s no way to sugar coat it: you will be sore. “The best thing to do is actually keep moving the next day,” SanFilippo says. “Take a light walk, stretch, drink plenty of water and even include coconut water for the potassium and to reduce cramping.” Get up and move around to help stretch your muscles out and reduce the lactic acid—after all, that’s what’s making you sore in the first place! Be careful not to go hardcore for an entire week straight though! Taking a day off every few days is a great way to let your muscles recover before your next workout session.

By the third day, the soreness should be at bay. Think of it as a reminder that you worked hard the day before and let it motivate you to keep working towards your goal. Soon enough, you will be able to do that same workout without any pain at all.

gymnast-677126_1920.jpg

If your campus offers group fitness classes, find ones you like and write them into your planner. Recruit a friend to go for a hike every Sunday afternoon. Take up surfing. Download a new fitness app. Regardless of what activity you choose and how you motivate yourself, the key is to start slow and enjoy the activity you choose to do. Soon enough, you too will be the type of person who actually looks forward to getting your exercise. The first step is simply redefining just what “working out” means to you.

You know that moment of embarrassment when you wave at someone and they completely ignore or don't notice you? Are we all nice and uncomfortable now? Now I'd like you to multiply that cringe-worthiness by, like, a gazillion. That is exactly the amount of awkwardness that went down between Jerry Seinfeld and Kesha on the red carpet Monday night when the comedian denied the pop singer a hug—three times.

The two were walking the red carpet for the David Lynch Foundation's National Night of Laughter and Song when an excited Kesha spotted Seinfeld mid-interview, approaching from behind and exclaiming, "I'm Kesha. I love you so much!" To which he responded, "Oh, thanks." She then moved in closer with her arms out and asked, "Can I give you a hug?"

"No thanks," Seinfeld was quick to reply while holding up a hand, but Kesha was on a mission. "Please? A little one?" she begged, but Seinfeld was not about to give in, taking a step back the third time she approached him and dismissing her with a "Yeah, no thanks." 

Kesha finally took the hint and left, fake-crying at the rejection while walking off camera. And the most embarrassing part? "I didn't know who that was," Seinfeld admitted to interviewer and radio host Tommy McFly, who informed him that it was Kesha. "Okay, well, I wish her the best," he responded, laughing. 

While Seinfeld was unfamiliar with Kesha and was probably just looking to keep his personal space uninvaded, I have to give huge props to Kesha for her persistence. I would have died of embarrassment right there on the red carpet after the first rejection.

Experience the awkward encounter in all its cringe-worthy glory below.

Follow Amanda on Twitter.

Luna Stephens is only one, but she’s already achieved a goal most of us only dream about: throwing the first pitch at a baseball game.

The first pitch is a tradition that’s usually reserved for celebrities; as the daughter of John Legend and Chrissy Teigen, we think Luna more than qualifies. During John’s jam-packed summer tour, Luna and her parents took the time to attend a Mariners game and give the world the cutest first pitch it's ever seen.

If John and Chrissy's social posts are any indication, it went super well.

We can’t help but admit Luna's pitch was pretty solid, especially for a one-year-old. Maybe a career in sports is in her future.

Follow Rachna on Twitter.

This article has been syndicated to Her Campus from October June, an InfluenceHer Collective member. Read the full post here.

I recently moved into a new apartment. Now, moving is famously really fun and easy right? No. No it’s not. I hate moving so much okay. But having just gone through this, I thought I’d share some tips that helped me not completely lose my mind during the process.

Be ruthless

Moving into a slightly smaller space meant I had to be incredibly ruthless when it came to paring down. Living in one place for nearly three years means you accumulate a lot of stuff that seems vital, but really isn’t. Just remember that anything you keep, you have to pack up and lug around to a new place, then unpack it and find a spot for it. Do you really need to keep every single pair of socks you’ve had since you were 12? No.

Don't overpack

When I went to the store to buy some boxes, I was mad that they only had medium-sized ones in stock. The influx of college students leaving town meant supplies were scarce, so I begrudgingly hauled four of the flattened mid-sized boxes to my car and called it good. But funnily enough, once I started packing the boxes full, I could barely lift some of the more crammed ones. While squeezing as many items as physically possible into each box may seem like the smart thing to do, it will actually cause more misery in the long run. You may have difficulty loading or carrying the boxes, or they may break under pressure and ruin your family heirlooms. Yikes.

Label & group everything

This may seem like a no-brainer, but you’d be surprised how quickly things get jumbled around when you’re moving. Especially if you’re furnishing an entire house, you need to label each box, and try to group them together based on room or section of room. That way you can easily see where each box needs to go, which means less work for you in the long run.

Read the full post here.

I’m a big fan of The Bachelorette’s Rachel Lindsay. She’s been graceful in the face of some truly horrific bullshit, and she’s not afraid to tell an immature jerk to get the fuck out. That’s why I was so surprised—and upset—about the way her conversation with Fred played out on Monday night. 

Fred knew Rachel from summer camp when they were kids, and it was clear from the beginning that Rachel wasn’t exactly charmed by this connection. Every single time the two talked, she brought up what a “bad kid” Fred had been as a third grader (for real, was Fred a 9-year-old murderer or something?). Fred took it relatively well, until he didn’t—in Monday night’s episode, he said he wanted to move on from the past with a kiss. The urgency was amplified by a reveal, during the group date on Ellen, that three other men had already kissed Rachel.

When the two sat down after the date, Fred made a sweet speech about how he’d been waiting for the right moment to kiss Rachel, but now realized that sometimes it’s about “creating the moment.” Then he asked, ”Is this the time that you feel that I can kiss you?” The mood immediately shifted. Rachel’s eyebrows shot up—“You’re asking me?” Fred countered that he was asking so she would feel comfortable, but Rachel was having none of it. “Well, now I feel awkward,” she said. “Because nobody’s ever asked me. They just do it.” 

They did kiss, but the show's producers clearly wanted it to feel awkward. There was none of the romantic music that was supposed to make Bryan’s face-sucking more appealing in the first episode. Minutes later, Rachel took Fred aside and sent him home, telling him she couldn’t get past seeing him as a boy. 

Rachel didn’t think Fred was right for her, and there’s nothing wrong with that. Whether or not they’d had this interaction, he probably would have been sent home sooner rather than later. But Fred did something we don’t often see on this show—He made an effort to get consent. And he was punished for it, not just through being sent home, but through Rachel’s reaction.

This show is keeping around a self-proclaimed “tickle monster” whose ‘funny’ bit is literally touching people without their consent. And yet it’s pointedly shaming a man who made the egregious mistake of wanting to make sure his date felt comfortable with a kiss. That’s a problem. We live in a world where 23 percent of college women say “they’ve experienced some form of nonconsensual contact,” according to an 2015 survey. The current president of the United States, who has shown himself to be supremely unqualified for every facet of the job, got his position despite bragging about assaulting women. It’s long past time to get over the idea that asking for consent somehow makes men less masculine, and therefore less capable and attractive. 

A friend told me that after watching this episode, she made a list. On one side were guys she kissed, and wanted to kiss. On the other were guys who just went ahead and kissed her without asking. And—surprise!—there wasn’t a lot of overlap. Pop culture makes it seem like the only way to have a first kiss is to just go for it—but that doesn’t match up with most women’s lived experience. Surprise kissing feels like a violation just as often as it marks the start of a magical relationship.

Sure, The Bachelorette has never been the place to go for enlightened takes on gender roles. But we can use moments like this to reconsider the way we’re acting in our own dating lives. Too often, people still act like consent is somehow incompatible with fun or romance. We’ve got to remember that it’s way better to have a slightly awkward conversation about consent than to knowingly or unknowingly force someone into something they don’t want to do.

Fred isn’t going to be Rachel’s future husband. But he respected her feelings instead of taking her position as the Bachelorette as implied consent—and I’d like to see a lot more of that on this show.

Yeah, President Donald Trump's son Eric thinks that the Democrats aren't actually people. Oh, and they have no morals either.

The comment was made when FOX News' Sean Hannity spoke to Eric Trump on Tuesday night about the news surrounding the firing of former FBI director James Comey, according to CBS.

"I've never seen hatred like this," Eric said. "And to me, they're not even people. It's so, so sad. I mean, morality's just gone. Morals have flown out the window."

While not everyone is exactly sure what "not even people" means, it's definitely not surprising that Eric immediately came to the defense of his father (or that Hannity agreed with Trump's statements).

Just the other week, Trump said in a commencement speech that he's being treated worse than any politician ever. The Trump family seems to have united behind the idea that anyone who disagrees with them is not only wrong, but evil. Eric Trump even called the head of the DNC, Tom Perez, a "total wackjob."

Why do they insist on talking about the parties, and the government as a whole, as if they are not actively part of it, and in fact, running it?

On Wednesday, President Trump spoke in Cincinnati about infrastructure and Democrats, according to USA Today. While praising Republicans for working so hard on a new health care bill, he also said there is "total obstruction from Democrats," and that he "takes so much heat for nonsense."

Maybe they're replying to the Democrats' so-called hatred and nonsense with . . . more nonsense? If they've never seen hatred like this, I'm sure it's possible they could research the hatred and racism the Obamas consistently endured while in office and still endure today. 

I wish we could expect better from the first family, but at this point, it doesn't seem like it.

Ladies, the worst time of the year is here: SHAVING SEASON. Gone are the days of winter wear, where we can hide our sasquatch legs with cute skinny jeans. And although ripped jeans in the spring can hide them, as the days get hotter shorts are starting to become more and more necessary. Fear not, for there are options. There’s shaving (ew.), waxing (ouch), flaunting your natural leg hair, or laser hair removal.

Laser hair removal is a gift given to women from the goddess of hairlessness. The procedure is considered a selective photothermolysis, or SPTL, it matches to a certain wavelength of light and uses a laser to target melanin. The light from the laser then breaks down hairs from the root and gives you permanent hair reduction. To achieve the full effect, a couple of sessions, or more (depending on the area you’re targeting), are necessary.

 Lots of girls haven’t tried laser yet out of fear of pain or price, but here are some things you should consider before trying it out:

1. Pro: You (almost) never have to shave again

Laser can help people who are susceptible to more hair growth. For example, laser hair removal is ideal for people who want to attain silky smooth underarms, legs, face and the dreaded bikini area. Since they are larger areas, having to re-shave the areas or even waxing can be time consuming, painful or costly. With laser, you can rid yourself of hair in that area in just six to seven sessions that may last about 15 minutes to an hour. If done properly, you won’t even experience the stinging or itching shaving or waxing may leave behind. 

Adelyn Orfila, a graduate from Florida International University, swears by laser hair removal.

“I love laser hair removal because like those radio commercials say, I never have to worry about shaving ever again,” Adelyn says. “I’m currently on my sixth session for my underarms and it’s like I never grew hair there to begin with.”

Laser is the best method if you want to remove hair with good precision. Of course, only going to a couple of sessions isn’t going to give you permanent hair loss, but if you complete each session you can bet there will be no spots with stray hairs.

2. Pro: No razor bumps!

Okay, so laser hair removal isn’t permanent hair removal, but it is permanent hair loss. So, sure, hair will grow back, but it probably won't be enough to have to use a razor. Laser can be a great alternative to people with sensitive skin; razor bumps or scratches can cause scarring and be a huge discomfort. Although laser may sting a bit during the process itself, it won’t leave your skin dry and won’t cause skin breakages.

3. Pro: It helps with complexion 

Thinking of blasting the ‘stache away? Laser hair removal can help with not only removing unwanted facial hair, but it can also improve the area around the hair. Everyone knows hair can accumulate oils that can be damaging to your skin, and in turn, give you horrible breakouts. If you zap the hair away, there won’t be any oils to give you pimples.

Stanesha Rivers, a senior at Florida International University, used facial laser hair removal to not only get rid of pesky hair, but also for the benefits it brought on another cosmetic level. “I would recommend it to other girls because it makes facial hair one less thing to do maintenance on,” Stanesha says. “It has eliminated the hair and lessened the oiliness of my skin.”  

Voila, a solution to your hair problems and skin issues!

4. Con: It only works on dark hair 

Dear blondies or light-haired ladies, laser may not be the best option for you. In fact, laser only eliminates dark hair. The laser targets the pigment in hair follicles and kills the hair from its root and prevents it from growing back. Some physicians may have different laser types for darker skin or different colored hairs, so there is still hope. Just make sure to ask if they have the right tools before going through with your appointment! If not, other treatments like electrolysis target any kind of hair color or type of skin pigment. Just remember to ask the technician if the procedure is right for you.

Related: Your Guide to At-Home Hair Removal 

5. Con: It’s hella expensive

Okay, so laser is expensive, but have you bought razors or shaving cream? On average, a pack of five crappy razors that slice your legs like an 80s horror flick will run you about five dollars. One REALLY good razor will cost you the same price, but will rust faster than you can say “Look how soft my legs are,” and don’t even get us started on waxing prices.

Laser obviously won’t cost you five bucks, but can save you a lot of money in the long run. Especially if you look for coupons online (God bless Groupon.) However, if no coupons are found, you can expect to pay around $150 to $500 per session, according to DocShop. 

6. Con: It can be painful AF

Beauty is pain, right? One downside to laser is how much it stings during the actual process. Vanessa Cuadros, a recent Florida International University grad, went through a couple of laser hair removal sessions when she was 19 years old.

“It feels like a thousand bees are stinging me,” Vanessa grimaced. “Moving their stinger around the wounds constantly.”

Vanessa received treatments for her underarms and legs. She says that some parts hurt more than others.

“The pain depended on the areas, so like my underarms didn’t hurt, but certain parts of my legs did,” Vanessa said.

The pain was so much, Vanessa couldn’t finish her treatments. However, she did mention thinner and slower hair growth.

Hairy leg, hairless leg, mustache or baby face, the most important thing to remember is to choose whatever you are comfortable with. Hair is a natural part of your body, and there’s no need to be ashamed of it! But, just in case you want to live that silky, hairless lifestyle, laser hair removal is a great choice if you have the money for it. Good luck, girls, and may the awkwardly-placed holes in ripped jeans be ever in your favor.

Hints of Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life returning for another season have been dropping left and right recently. While Netflix has made it clear that it wouldn’t mind a second revival, Lauren Graham has previously said that she would do more episodes. However, in true, sneaky Lorelai fashion, Graham has now suggested that the A Year in the Life ending is the last we’ll see of the Gilmores, Cosmopolitan reports.

In an interview with Indiewire, Graham basically crushed any bits of hope we had left of Rory redeeming herself in another revival. “Just as an experience, [the revival] was kind of perfect,” she shared. “I always said, while we were doing it, that I couldn’t see more episodes in that form…there’s no reason anymore except enjoyment. And, actually, I think there’s far more risk to continue—you run the risk of disappointing people.”

This sounds like a woman who is content with what was done and is ready to move on. In the same interview, Graham also hinted that she’s now more interested in projects outside of acting, saying, “I kind of got what I wanted out of…being an actor, and now I’m actually just as interested in helping somebody else have that, whether through directing or producing.”

Graham may want to put Lorelai Gilmore aside, but it sounds like she’s still eager to bring happiness to all of our lives. While we may have to resort to Gilmore Girls binge-watching to get our caffeinated dose of Gilmore, Graham will be working on similarly uplifting projects for fans to enjoy, such as her screenplay of the hit book The Royal We.

“I’m just devoted to storytelling, and I don’t care as much if I’m in it anymore,” she explained. “I’d be just as happy as write it.”

If we have to settle for Graham working behind the scenes in exchange for some amazing new stories, then we’re okay with it. 

Whether you're using Tinder for casual dating, hookups, romance or something in between, the online dating app doesn't necessarily make the love scene any easier. It definitely isn't Tinder's fault. In fact, it's usually the creepy people on the app who feel the need to borderline harass and berate you. Seriously, would any of these people even say these things to your face? I think not. We're pretty sure every girl has gotten something similar to these horrifying messages.

1. Sending a lengthy initial message explaining that they definitely aren’t a creep or pervert

I’m so glad you sent me a 1,500 character essay about the reasons you aren’t a creep. I’m thoroughly convinced.

2. The good ol' “Will you marry me?” message

You think you’re being cute, but it’s especially creepy if you lead with that crap.

3. Asking for your Snapchat within the first 30 minutes of Tindering

Yeah, no. If they ask for your Snapchat before they ask you for your number or ask you on a date, they want nudes.

4. Making weird comments about your height (especially if you’re noticeably short in a group photo)

Thanks for reminding me that you could just pick me up and run off with me. Now, I know that I’ll never hang out with you.

5. Asking for a threesome

No thanks, my schedule is all booked up with threesomes through the rest of the year. Try back in January.

6. Asking how big your boobs are

Idk, how big is your dick, Brad? Don’t worry, size isn’t everything, as long as you aren’t an a-hole.

7. The subtle sexual pick-up line

You think you’re being original, but you aren’t.

8. The not-so-subtle sexual pick-up line

If I had a dollar for every time someone sent me a lengthy pick-up line, which ultimately ending with them asking me to sit on their face, I’d have enough money to pay for tuition.

9. Getting angry

Sorry, nobody is obligated to go on a date hangout with you just because you asked. Throwing a temper tantrum doesn’t help your cause either.

10. The blatant “Wanna fuck?” message

You think you’ll get some kind of weird mythical points for being honest and straight to the point, but you won’t. You’ll probably just get unmatched or trolled.

11. Asking how many people you’ve slept with

Why do you even care? If you must know, then it’s 2,000.

12. Straight up insulting you

I'm sorry, isn't the point of Tinder to win me over on some kind of level?

13. Petty strings of messages because you didn’t respond in one second

Shit, sorry I didn’t respond between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. because I was at work. How inconsiderate of me.

14. Asking if you’re on the pill

Why, yes, I am on Tylenol. Thank you for asking!

15. Asking what you weigh

Why is this even a question?

16. Asking you to come over before you’ve even met

Oh, we’ve have three lines of text, you live alone and we’ve never met in a public place before? No thank you. I may have a crippling amount of student loan debt, but I don’t want to die today.

17. Blaming their terrifying and shameful messages on their friends

Mmhm. I’m sure your friend regularly snags your phone while y’all are casually hanging out at 9:21 a.m. on a Monday.

Wonder Woman blew everyone away this past weekend with both its box office performance and killer storyline, proving that there is more than enough room for powerful women in cinema. Now Wonder Woman herself, Gal Gadot, has released a thank you video to show how grateful she is for this incredible and well-deserved achievement, HelloGiggles reports.

“Thank you for making this weekend the most amazing weekend and the craziest weekend I’ve ever had in my life,” Gadot said in a video she posted on her Twitter account. “You made this movie what it is and your love and your support for this character and myself are not to be taken for granted.”

According to The Guardian, Wonder Woman has already broken a box office record for female directors. Thanks to the film’s opening weekend total of $223 million, director Patty Jenkins is now behind the biggest U.S. opening of a female-directed film since Fifty Shades of Grey. This is a much better tradeoff, right?

“This is all you, so a big thank you,” Gadot shared. “I’m sending you guys all the good energy and love back.”

Props to Gadot for delivering such an impactful performance in Wonder Woman and making us feel like we’re right alongside her in her success.

Visiting one of the world’s most iconic landmarks now has the potential to be even more amazing. HelloGiggles reports that from June 5 to 11, guests at the Eiffel Tower will have the option to zipline off the tower for free. So, where can I find a budget flight to Paris ASAP?

Lasting a whole minute, the zipline ride, called Le Perrier Smash, begins at 375 feet and sends these brave souls into the air at 55 miles per hour to simulate the same speed that a tennis ball is smashed. Although the route is incredibly scenic, taking a rider past the gardens of the Champs de Mars, a virtual version of the ride is also available for people wanting to stay close to solid ground. Both options seem pretty amazing, so even if you're not a fan of heights, I would still be jealous of you participating in the virtual ride. 

Running in honor of the French Open, which lasts until June 10, the zipline system has understandably become so popular that online signups are already closed. Only 100 rides are happening per day, but after seeing such crazy footage of this once-in-a-lifetime experience, we’re secretly holding out for ziplining off the Eiffel Tower to become a permanent thing. Who wouldn’t want to try this out?

Sex seems so simple in the movies, but working up to the big moment can be a challenge for many of us in real life. For some, the thought of sex and going through with the act is enough to induce panic before or during an attempt to have sex. Whatever the reason for your anxiousness, know that it doesn’t have to be that way forever. Here are four things to do if the thought of sex gives you anxiety.

1. Wait

There is no reason to rush or force yourself into doing something you are not 100 percent mentally or physically prepared for. There is no deadline to meet when it comes to sharing an intimate moment with someone.  

Melly*, a senior at Georgia State University, had to endure heartbreak which caused her to become apprehensive about sex.

“After I was cheated on, the thought of having sex would make me nauseous,” she says. “I have chosen to wait until I am sure that I am completely healed before I jump back into giving myself to someone in that way. I am still waiting, but every day I feel like I am making progress towards being more comfortable with the idea of sex.”

Listen to your body. When you are ready to have sex with someone, your body will relax and instinct will take over. If you feel as if you have to coach yourself through every move, you may not be ready.

2. Disconnect from society's view of sex 

There is enormous pressure from society on how females should exhibit their sexuality, which may distort your perspective of sex. There is so much emphasis put on the “first time,” and keeping your body count as low as possible. You need to construct your own opinion of what sex means to you.

Trisha*, a junior at Kent State University, was afraid to have sex because of the negative stigma society places on the act.  

“At a time when most of my friends were not having sex, the one thing shoved down our throats was how much it was going to hurt,” she says. “Not only that, but adults made it seem like there was no preventing pregnancy or STDs, and that our value as women would diminish if we had sex.”

Having sex and who you have sex with does not define you. So keep that in mind if you are anxious about people looking at you differently if you do decide to have sex.

3. Test the waters

The thought of having sex may make you anxious beforehand if you overthink it. However, you may become more relaxed if you slowly work toward the goal. Taking it slowly assures your mind and body that you are comfortable.

Be vocal with you partner. If you do feel uneasy, it’s important to let them know so they can take it more slowly or stop altogether.

Rachna Shah, a freshman at Dartmouth College, suggests open communication with your partner if you’re on edge.

“Approach it slowly – in a roundabout manner, rather than directly,” she says. “Letting your SO know that you’d prefer to do it that way can help your relationship from faltering.”

Establishing trust through communication is an important step when it comes to reducing your anxiety about sex.

Related: 13 College Women Get Real About Their Sexual Histories 

4. Pleasure yourself

Becoming more comfortable and embracing your body will help you become more comfortable with somebody else.

Masturbation is a great release for your body. It can also normalize your body to the feeling of intimacy and orgasms so you will not be sent into a frenzy if you do engage in sex.

Sarah*, a junior at The University of Alabama, also suggests watching pornography to relax yourself.

“There is a huge stigma around women watching porn, but there is a lot of material out there to educate women about their bodies and how they want to be pleasured,” she says. “It may also increase your own libido and inspire you to actively want to have sex.”

Self-love is the best love, and it’s an important step to intercourse with someone else.

Sex can be an escape from life’s anxieties if you wait until you are mentally and physically ready. You are not in a race or competition with anyone. Patience is key, but following the above steps may put you on a path to readiness.

*Name has been changed

It's always nice to be told that you're appreciated. You know how much you love that feeling, so why not make sure that your friends know they're appreciated? 

Whether it's a birthday, a holiday or just a random day of the week, these gifts are sure to bring a smile to anyone's face. The best part is that you can whip them up in a flash, with relatively no time or money. What an easy way to show your love! 

1. Instagram Cards

gifts 1.jpg

Print out a Insta photo of you and your best friend, and use it as a card for her birthday or just because!

2. Yarn Pom Pom Letters

yarn.jpg

Everyone loves some fun room decor! Spell out your bestie's name, her intials or Greek letters with these fun pom poms. 

3. Printed Candles

6.jpg

Print your best friend's favorite inspirational quote or celeb on a candle that she can burn, baby, burn! You can really put anything you want on these adorable candles. 

4. Watercolor Cards

8.jpg

Making these cards will take you back to your kindergarten days! Use white crayon and then water color over it to reveal your ~*hidden*~ message. 

5. Photo Star

gift 2.jpg

Create a star lantern out of photos of you and your bestie—it's sure to light up her life! 

6. Keyboard Art

gift 3.jpg

Don't let an old keyboard clog up a landfill. Take it apart, and create the cutest photo frame ever; all you have to do is add your message of appreciation! Don't feel obligated to make it a keyboard pun, either. 

7. Instagram Calendar  

gift 4.jpg

Use a photo of you and your BFF for each month and pencil in girls nights, your friendaversary and other important dates. Feel free to also write messages of encouragement and love throughout. 

8. Balloon Room

gift 5.jpg

Each of these balloons is attached to a photo. Just write a memory or affirmation on the back of the photos and surprise your bestie. 

9. Comfy Pillow

gift 6.jpg

Make sure your best friend always has a snuggly place to lay her head with this Doris Day-inspired pillow. 

10. Goodie Jar

gift 7.jpg

You can use this goodie jar to "teal" your bestie any message that your heart desires—be it "Thanks,""I love you" or even "Congrats!"

11. Bestie Scrapbook

gift 8.jpg

Head to your local craft store to pick up some materials, and spend an afternoon making a gift that will probably make your bestie cry. A scrapbook is the perfect way to preserve fun photos and memories. 

12. The Happy Jar

Screen Shot 2016-02-25 at 9.15.03 PM.png

Fill out little notes full of loving affirmations, funny drawings or inside jokes—anything that would make your friend happy! 

13. "52 Things I Love About You" Cards

gift 9.jpg

We love this card deck! You could also do "52 Times You Made Me Laugh"or "52 Inside Jokes." 

14. Photo Collage Letter

gift 14.jpg

Modge podge some photos onto a wooden letter—the first letter of your friend's name—and write a loving letter to her on the back. 

15. Bestie Bucket List

gift 15.jpg

Make a bestie bucket list for your summer together, upcoming vacation or your remaining time in college. So many possibilities! 

How will you show your gratitude, collegiettes? 

In the aftermath of the horrific terrorist attack outside her concert in Manchester, UK, Ariana Grande has taken it upon herself to support her fans and everyone affected. From visiting fans in the hospital to holding her One Love Manchester benefit concert last week, Ariana has shown how committed she is to doing whatever she can to bring light to this dark time. Following the concert Sunday, Ariana and a few members of her Dangerous Woman tour apparently received bee tattoos backstage from the team at Manchester Ink, a local tattoo parlour. The worker bee has been a symbol of Manchester since 1842, when a swarm of bees was incorporated into the city's coat of arms. It now stands as an emblem of solidarity and love.

People all over are showing their support for those who lost their lives through tattoo ink as well. Tattoo artist Sam Barber launched the Manchester Tattoo Appeal, which states that anyone can come get a tattoo of a bee for £50 at any of the local tattoo shops. All proceeds will be donated to those directly affected by the attack.

You can see members of the swarm on Instagram, under #manchestertattooappeal.

After the terror attack at her concert in Manchester, Ariana Grande suspended her Dangerous Woman tour up to her June 5 show in Switzerland. Instead, she organized a benefit concert for the attack’s victims, One Love Manchester, with some of music’s biggest stars, including Justin Bieber, Miley Cyrus, and Chris Martin.

Yesterday in Paris, she performed her first show as part of her tour since the attack that left 22 people dead and many more injured and traumatized. Ariana took to Instagram and Twitter to express her prayers, thoughts and thanks before the show.

“Thinking of our angels every step of the way,” she wrote, and then continued on to thank her band, dancers, and crew.

After the show she shared a picture from the concert, saying simply, “Merci Paris. Je t’aime. Grateful to be back.”

We’re thinking of you, Ariana, as you try to move forward!

Honestly, I'm so confused by Kylie Jenner's sweatshirt right now that I can't even gather my thoughts. Regina George might have started the bra cut-out shirt trend but please, fashion gods, save us from the Kylie Jenner sweatshirt.

Recently, reality star and young entrepreneur Kylie Jenner posted a picture on Instagram of herself in a very, very cropped sweatshirt. Basically, the sleeves and the top of her sweater were still there, but the bottom seemed to have gone to a Kylie Cosmetics meeting.

As you might expect, the internet went nuts.

Seriously wondering if she made that herself or paid hundreds for it.

LOLOLOL not putting a penny into that GoFundMe.

I'm so done with this.

Just when I thought Urban Decay was stopping with their Naked Smokey palette, they're surprising us again with the announcement of the upcoming Naked Heat palette! Just look at all the warm-toned gorgeousness:

In typical Naked palette fashion, Naked Heat will include 12 brand new shades all inspired by what the brand calls, "amber-hued neutrals, warm browns, burnt oranges, and rich siennas." Urban Decay co-founder Wende Zomnir told Allure she believes the colors will flatter any shade of skin, "These peachy, burgundy, red-based shadows look good on everyone because they resonate with the warmth that people want to bring out in their skin." I'll say. It'll be a sad, sad day when the everything-warm-toned trend fades away.

For those wondering how to tackle the palette, Zomnir says, "There's no rhyme or reason for how you need to use it, but there is some vision on how you could use them. On the far left, you have your base eye shades. You've got your highlight, you've got your all-over lid [color], and you've got a crease or transition color that could work for almost anyone. On the right side, you've got a dark shade, [Low Blow], that's great to define and edge up any look. Then in between, you've got a big range of shades that can take you either very terra-cotta, very butterscotch, or very burgundy. There are a lot of options in this palette, and it's organized so you can see them all. You can see the burgundies to the right, the amber colors in the center, butterscotch-y shades on the left."

The Naked Heat Palette officially launches June 30, but on June 12 you can order the palette online during Urban Decay's exclusive pre-sale, when it will retail for $54.

If (read: when) I get my hands on this palette, the first shade I'm dipping into has got to be Ashes—I love a deep, warm plum with my dark brown eyes! What about you, collegiettes?