Kaur has Polycystic Ovary Syndrome; a hormonal disease that can result in the growth of excess facial and body hair. Despite her lengthy attempts to shave, wax and bleach it Harnaam decided to go on her own terms. Thick hair began to sprout on her face, chest and arms when she was just 11-years-old. Kaur endured a childhood of cruel taunts and even online death threats.

Harnaam’s self-acceptance wasn’t easy. Her disease, in which the ovaries contain cystic follicles that overproduce androgens like testosterone, can spark hirsutism — the excessive growth of facial or body hair — for women. PCOS is, “the most common cause of hirsutism and may affect up to 10% of women,” according to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine.

Harnaam said in her Instagram post:

I am super proud to hold this record, the inner child in me is so pleased.

We are proud too, Harnaam!

I can now proudly announce that I am a Guiness world record book holder! I have been wanting to publish this news for absolutely ages, but I had to keep things under wrap until the booked launched (today). I am super proud to hold this record, the inner child in me is so pleased. I grew up reading this book, I even tried breaking some of my own records wanting to be in this book. It is amazing to be valued and celebrated being a Bearded Lady. I am proud to hold this amazing record ? I hope those who read or see my record can take away positivity, inspiration and realise that no matter who you are or what you look like, you are officially amazing! I present to you my record as 'The youngest women with a full beard' Thank you to my friends @drewmula and @notblackbutbrown for being there during this photoshoot, when this record was made! I love and adore you both ❤️❤️ Thank you to everyone who has supported my journey! Thank you @guinnessworldrecords ?- Paul Michael Huges

A post shared by Harnaam Kaur (@harnaamkaur) on Sep 8, 2016 at 1:38am PDT

27-year-old British Sikh model-cum-campaigner sporting a six-inch-long facial beard entered the Guinness World Records in 2016 as the youngest female with a beard.

Kaur, who was bullied as a child, has gone on to model for Urban Bridesmaid Photography and made her debut on the catwalk by opening the Marianna Harutunian Royal Fashion Day show in March, wearing her traditional Sikh turban, a navy dress and black heels.

In March 2016, she became the first female with a beard to walk the runway at London Fashion Week.

Ms. Kaur the “Absolutely Humbling” as stated in her Record. 

Despite trying different methods of hair removal, none of the methods have proven to be effective as the hair grows back again.

“Now with a beard measuring as long as six inches in places, she overcame years of bullying to take ownership of her appearance and achieve this record title at the age of 24 years 282 days,” her record citation reads. She describes her place in the ‘Guinness World Records’ book as ‘absolutely humbling’ and hopes it will help her to impart her empowering message.

More power to all women who break such stereotypes and inspire others to embark on the journey of self-acceptance.