When she was just 12 years old Harnaam was diagnosed with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, elevated levels of male hormones which can cause masculine features to be present in females. A symptom of PCOS, Harnaam developed hirsutism which now sees her sporting a full beard as a result of her condition. When first diagnosed Harnaam would spend her time removing the facial hair, after falling victim to horrific abuse and harassment from cruel bullies throughout her teenage years. Faced with such adversity, Harnaam became depressed resulting in self-harm and suicidal thoughts. With time she has grown to embrace her facial hair, no longer removing it and instead taking ownership of her appearance.
Fuelled by the realisation that it was her body and she had no other body to live in, Harnaam decided to go against the constraint of societal expectations of female beauty. Back in 2014, she started delivering public interviews quickly garnering a reputation as an activist for body positivity and raising awareness of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. Becoming an overnight sensation, Harnaam has been requested to take part in countless memorable campaigns and also works as a catwalk model pioneering the world of unconventional beauty. 2015 was a great year for Harnaam, propelling her mission of promoting body positivity. A photograph of Hanaam was included in an exhibition in London by Mr Elbank, displayed alongside 80 other bearded individuals. She was also a pivotal spokesperson of Tess Holiday’s Eff Your Beauty Standards campaign, photographed for Urban Bridesmaid Photography and modelled for Rock N Roll Bride.
Highly respected for her unwavering passion for body positivity, esteemed London Fashion Week hired her to walk the catwalk. Taking to the runway of the 2016 London Fashion Week Harnaam became the first woman with a beard to appear at the show. Capturing attention with her unconventional beauty, Harnaam was signed to Wanted Models and now features in publications across the globe. In that same year, Harnaam found her name in the spotlight once again, this time included as part of the 2016 Guinness World Records as the youngest woman in the world to grow a full beard.
Utilising her prominence in the public eye, Harnaam acts as an activist and motivational speaker. Her platforms are full of positivity and acceptance, promoting awareness of topical subjects such as mental health, cyberbullying and body shaming. Harnaam has continually pushed for positive change, appearing in countless discussions in 2017 with the House of Parliament regarding subjects of mental health and LGBT+. She has also delivered TED talks, with her best known titled Empowerment Through Confidence. An accepting and personable speaker, Harnaam is perfect to encourage the inclusion of all.
