Indian woman sets Guinness record for world's longest hair
What's the story
In a captivating feat, 46-year-old Smita Srivastava from Uttar Pradesh, India, has clinched the Guinness World Record for the longest hair on a living person, measuring 236.22 cm (7 ft 9 in). Srivastava's awe-inspiring tresses have been a labor of love since her teenage years, inspired by familial genes and the allure of Bollywood's 1980s actresses with their "long and beautiful hair."
Tradition
A tradition of divine lengths
Srivastava's dedication to her extraordinary hair is deeply rooted in Indian culture, where goddesses traditionally boasted flowing locks. She elucidates that, in Indian society, cutting hair is considered inauspicious, compelling women to embrace the tradition of hair growth. For Srivastava, long hair is not just a matter of aesthetics; it embodies cultural significance, enhancing the beauty of women.
Routine
Elaborate care routine
Maintaining her lengthy locks demands meticulous care. Srivastava devotes up to three hours, twice a week, to the intricate process of washing, drying, detangling, and styling. The detailed regimen includes laying a sheet on her bed for detangling, a 30-45 minute wash, and a two-hour detangling process. Despite its time-consuming nature, Srivastava's commitment to her hair is unwavering.
Keepsake
Hair as a keepsake
Srivastava's extraordinary commitment extends beyond routine care; she preserves every strand. An unexpected hair loss event triggered her decision to collect fallen strands, a practice she's maintained for two decades. Even the hair that inadvertently breaks gets securely collected. This extensive collection holds sentimental value, marking a poignant moment in Srivastava's life when she decided never to discard her hair.
Manageability
Trimming for manageability
Exceptionally, Srivastava cut her hair by one foot during a challenging pregnancy, reducing its length to six feet for manageability. Her dedication to preserving the length is reflected in the immense effort she invests in handling her hair. Despite this rare trim, Srivastava's resolve to let her hair grow unabated underscores her belief that her life is intertwined with her cascading locks.
Public amazement
Living marvel and public amazement
Venturing outside with her hair down, Srivastava becomes a living marvel, captivating onlookers who express astonishment and admiration. Strangers approach, touch her hair, take pictures, and seek advice on replicating her hair care routine. Srivastava, now a Guinness World Records titleholder, revels in the fulfillment of a lifelong dream, vowing to nurture her hair indefinitely and embracing the unknown future of its length.