A 24-year-old British Sikh model-cum-campaigner sporting a six-inch long facial hair on Thursday entered the Guinness World Records as the youngest female with a beard.
Harnaam Kaur from Slough in Berkshire in south-east England, described her entry as "absolutely humbling".
"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. 2016 has been a huge year for Harnaam, having become the first female with a beard to walk the runway at London Fashion Week in March," it adds.She became the first bearded female to walk the runway at London Fashion Week.
Kaur has polycystic ovary syndrome, a hormonal condition that can result in the growth of excess facial hair.
She describes herself on social media as "Bearded Dame, Body confidence activist, Anti Bully Activist, Plus Size Model" and dresses in a Sikh turban.
"I can now proudly announce that I am a 'Guinness 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 book launched," she said in a social media post.
She added: "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."
(With PTI inputs)
