Where the term “smooth skin” implies femininity in society men with beards challenge established notions of beauty. Others, however, have chosen to take this hair and make it a symbol for self-acceptance and empowerment.
British social media personality Harnaam Kaur stands tall as one of the most colorful voices in this arena. Diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) that imparted upon her the issue of excessive hair growth, she fought for years against self-doubt and bullying. Instead of hiding, she bore the responsibility and wore her beard with pride, immediately becoming an international advocate for self-love and body positivity. Indeed, her inspiring tale has led many women to rethink their thoughts regarding hair on their faces.
This acceptance, however, is not easy for everyone.
However, not everyone finds acceptance so easily. Many bearded women still face daily judgment, forcing them to decide between embracing their natural features or conforming to societal expectations.
The Social and Psychological Struggles: Dealing with Stares and Comments
For most women with beards, stepping outside means dealing with unsolicited opinions. Whether it’s strangers staring, whispering, or even offering “advice” on hair removal, the constant scrutiny can be exhausting.
“I’ve been called names, laughed at, and even had people suggest treatments as if my beard is a medical emergency,” says Sarah, a 29-year-old graphic designer. “People act like having a beard as a woman is a problem that needs fixing.”
This kind of judgment has a way of lowering self-worth. Some women find themselves facing the pressure to shave or endure painful and expensive treatments just to avoid negative comments. Some women become anxious, depressed, or even socially withdrawn due to the fear of ridicule.
Love, Attraction, and Stigma: Can Bearded Women Find Acceptance in Relationships?
Dating is perhaps a larger obstacle for these women, whether one considers public opinion or standards of beauty. Attractiveness is largely dependent on beauty standards, and in the opinion of many, a woman with facial hair is still considered unusual.
“I’ve had men tell me they would have dated me if not for my beard,” says Cynthia, 32. “It makes you wonder if you’ll ever find someone who truly accepts you.”
Some women end up removing their facial hair due to fear of rejection, even if they may wish to keep it. Others accept the hair, but it leaves them finding it hard to be with partners who can see beyond the social norms.
On the positive side, Harnaam Kaur, for instance, has once recounted receiving love and encouragement from people who admire her forthright heart. Some women tell how they got partners who liked them the way they were, too.
“At first, I was nervous about telling my boyfriend,” says Maryam, 35. “But he didn’t care. He told me it was just hair and that it didn’t change how he felt about me.”
Still, the dating world can be cruel, especially on social media, where beauty biases are amplified. Many bearded women report receiving fewer matches or encountering people who fetishise them instead of seeing them as individuals.
Why Some Women Grow Beards: Medical and Personal Reasons
For the vast majority of people, facial hair growth is not an option. Conditions such as hormonal imbalance, PCOS, or genetics may result in the overgrowth of facial hair which makes it extremely hard to live up to the stereotypical beauty standards.
Similarly, some people in today’s world choose to cultivate their beard as a comment on rejecting societal norms and views on how one should appear. Here beard-growing women have crossed the bounds by defining the facial hair as a “personal” thing as opposed to casting away the beauty standards that they otherwise would face.
Breaking the Silence: The Role of Social Media in Challenging Beauty Norms
Social media has given bearded women a platform to share their stories, build communities, and push back against outdated beauty ideals. Influencers like Harnaam Kaur use their visibility to normalise diverse forms of beauty and inspire confidence in others.
However, while online spaces have created opportunities for self-expression, they also expose women to cyberbullying. Negative comments and cruel messages often target bearded women, reminding them that acceptance is still a work in progress.
What’s Next: Changing the Narrative or Conforming to Expectations?
As more people challenge traditional beauty standards, will bearded women finally find wider acceptance? Or will they continue to face pressure to remove their facial hair to fit in?
The journey toward self-acceptance is deeply personal, but stories of confidence, love, and resilience are slowly changing the narrative.
So, what do you think? Can love, beauty, and self-worth go beyond conventional expectations, or is society still not ready to embrace women with beards as part of the norm?
They’re being perceived as witch in Africa
Imagining how to cope with such individual if we are in a relationship lol
Could it be natural?
Yes it’s natural
I came across them in my university days
It is well o