Hair so long, it could have its own zip code.
Let’s face it, long hair is more than a beauty goal. It’s a lifestyle. For some, it’s about skipping a haircut for a few months. But for others, it’s a lifelong commitment to growth and patience. The question that keeps buzzing: Who actually holds the crown for the longest hair in the world?
Grab your detangling brush and a green smoothie because we’re diving into the world of real-life Rapunzels who took “let your hair down” to legendary lengths.
Xie Qiuping: The Current Record Holder For Longest Hair In The World
Before you even ask, yes, there is an official record, and yes, it’s jaw-droppingly impressive.
Chinese woman Xie Qiuping holds the Guinness World Record for the longest hair on a living person, a title she has owned since May 8, 2004. Her hair measured an astonishing 5.627 meters (18 feet 5.54 inches). That’s taller than an average giraffe and longer than most wedding aisles.
She began growing her hair at the age of 13. Let that sink in. Her hair-care routine is as serious as it gets, think meticulous washing, gentle combing, and probably a shampoo budget that rivals a small salon.
“It’s not easy,” she told Guinness, “but I’m used to it.”
Imagine managing tangles in an 18-foot mane and still keeping it glossy. Legend.
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Other Iconic Long-Haired Legends
While Xie Qiuping holds the official title, there are plenty of notable mentions who’ve built empires (and social media followings) with their luxurious lengths.
Nilanshi Patel: India’s Teenage Rapunzel
Nicknamed “India’s Rapunzel,” Nilanshi Patel held the title of longest hair on a teenager with her waist-to-floor mane measuring over 200 cm (6.6 feet). She didn’t cut her hair for over a decade and made headlines before eventually donating her locks to a museum in the U.S. which was then transferred to Ripleys believe it or not museum.
Also read: Long Indian Hair Secrets I Inherited Growing Up
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Asha Mandela: Longest Dreadlocks
Florida-based Asha Mandela holds the world record for longest dreadlocks, which stretch over 33 years of growth and are measured at 19 feet 6 inches. On her Instagram, she usually shares pictures of her long dreadlocks and tips on how she manages them.
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Aevin Dugas: Largest Afro
Aevin Dugas from the United States Of America broke the record of having the largest afro in the world which measured 16cm(6.3 inches) from her crown area with its total circumference being 1.39m (4 feet 7 inches). To maintain her longest hair in the world she used 5 conditioners at once and trimmed her hair 2-3 times a year.
What It Takes To Grow Record-Breaking Hair?
We’re not saying you should attempt an 18-foot mane (unless you’re ready for a hair routine longer than your skincare regimen), but there’s no harm in taking notes from the queens of growth.
Here’s what it actually takes:
- Patience (years of it).
- A gentle routine: think sulfate-free shampoos, silk pillowcases, and weekly oil massages.
- A clean scalp: because hair grows best when your roots are treated like royalty.
- Minimal heat and styling stress. The flatter the iron, the higher the risk.
- Protective styles and lots of detangling.
Ultra-long hair is a cultural icon across countries and generations.Growing record-breaking hair demands serious dedication, not just good genes. So, the next time you’re tempted to chop it all off during a midnight crisis, just remember: your hair could be making history someday. Or at the very least, end up in a museum like Nilanshi’s.
Focus on retaining length rather than chasing unrealistic growth speed.
Before you leave don’t forget to check out:
- Can you really grow two inches of hair in a month?
- Hair growth methods that actually work
- My Hair Growth Journey Vol-2: How I Grew My Hair From 18 To 31 Inches This Year
Have a lovely day.