After years of bullying, teaching assistant Harnaam Kaur says she has never been happier now that she has allowed her BEARD to grow.
For years, the 23-year-old was taunted for having excessive hair caused by polycystic ovary syndrome.
She tried everything to get rid of it, from shaving to waxing to dying it a lighter colour. But she finally decided to accept herself for the way she is and now feels liberated.
Harnaam said: "I feel more feminine, more sexy and I think I look it too. I wear skirts and jewellery and I like to get my nails done like other girls."
Harnaam's hair started to grow on her arms, legs, chest and face from the age of 11.
At her lowest point, school bullies called her 'beardo' and she refused to leave the house. She began self-harming and considered suicide.
But everything changed when she was 16 when she was baptised as a Sikh. It meant she would have to let her hair grow out - a decision her family supported, particularly brother Gurdeep, 18.
At first she struggled to get a job but was later employed by a Sikh primary.
Harnaam, from Slough, Berkshire, said: "The funniest reactions are from the children. I joke it's a Halloween costume.
"Some even ask me where I buy it and I just say 'Asda'."
She hopes her story will help other women find self-confidence. She uploads videos of herself online, despite death threats.
She added: "All that matters is that I love myself. Nothing can shake me now."