The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has issued a ban for a TV advertising campaign promoting hair styling brand ghd.

Commenting on its decision, the ASA said: “We concluded that the eroticised images of the women apparently in prayer, in conjunction with religious symbols such as the votive candles and rosary beads, the use for the phrase ‘thy will be done’ from the Lord’s Prayer and the image of the letter ‘t’ as the Cross of Jesus were likely to cause offence, particularly to Christians.”

Robert Harwood-Matthews, CEO of TBWA\Manchester, said future marketing would not be affected, adding: “We certainly didn’t set out to offend anyone. It’s a beautiful ad and intended to show the devotion that ghd arouses.”