Bearded model walks runway, gets revenge on her bullies

After years of self-shaming, Kaur accepted herself and started growing her beard from age 11

Modelling a full grown beard, UK-based model Harnaam Kaur has been combating traditional beauty standards by taking on the fashion runway with a message of self-acceptance.

"I grew up watching America's Next Top Model, and I admired Tyra Banks wholeheartedly. I always wanted to be like the pretty models, so I remember copying the way they posed and walked. I grew up being told I was too fat, ugly, and disgusting to even model. I was told I'd never walk the runway," she told RocknRoll Bride.

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But she finally got her break when she was asked to open a show at the Royal Fashion Day making her the first bearded lady to model for a celebrity jewelry designer.

She instantly took to Instagram to shame her bullies and all the naysayers.

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"I was laughed at when I said I wanted to model. Jokes on my bullies. I was lucky enough to walk for @mariannaharutunian as the first bearded lady to walk for a celebrity jewellery designer... Walk with your head up high and ooze confidence always!" wrote Kaur.

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Kaur, has polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) which causes a hormonal imbalance in women. For Kaur, this meant dealing with an unusual amount of facial hair.

"I used to have my face waxed two to three times a week, and on the days I couldn’t bear the pain I would simply shave,” Kaur tells RocknRollbride.


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After years of self-shaming and self-harm, Kaur grew to accept herself and started growing her beard from age 11.

“At the age of 16 I hit my biggest low. I had been suicidal all year due to immense bullying from school and people in society. I hid away and did not want to venture out into the public. My bedroom was my only safe haven. I was hugely depressed," revealed Kaur.

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"I remember sitting on my bed and thinking about taking my own life. But instead, as I sat there, I started to counsel myself. I told myself ‘The energy you are putting into ending your life, put all that energy into turning your life around and doing something better,’” she said.

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Kaur has taken her message of self acceptance to several platforms. In November 2015, she joined #Effyourbeautystandards as a representative of her fellow model Tess Holidays's movement on Instagram, explaining "I strive to raise awareness on bullying and body shaming that happens in society. I am passionate about helping both men and women find self love and body confidence within themselves."

She has also modeled for Urban Bridesmaid Photography, with her beard adorned with flowers.

PHOTO: ROCKNROLLBRIDE

"It is the source of my strength and confidence. People just see the beard as hair, but my beard for me is much more than that. I keep my hair to show the world a different, confident, diverse and strong image of a woman... I love my lady beard and I will forever cherish it,” she said.