Daud Olatunji
In an extraordinary feat of craftsmanship, Lagos-based wigmaker Helen Williams has etched her name into the annals of history, claiming the Guinness World Record for creating the longest handmade wig—a stunning 351.28 meters (1,152 ft 5 in).
Williams dedicated 11 days and invested over N2 million (£2,031; $2,493) in bringing her vision to life, employing a unique combination of wig-cap netting, black fabric, and a bicycle helmet as the foundation.
The hairpiece, comprised of 1,000 bundles of hair, 12 cans of hair spray, 35 tubes of hair glue, and 6,250 hair clips, stands as a testament to her unparalleled skill and determination.
In a statement released on Tuesday, November 14, 2023, the Guinness World Records highlighted the challenges Williams faced in sourcing materials for her groundbreaking creation.
Undeterred, the seasoned wigmaker, with eight years of professional experience and a track record of producing 50 to 300 wigs weekly, overcame obstacles with her expertise.
Reflecting on her monumental achievement, Helen Williams shared, “Finding the materials to make the longest wig was not an easy task. My experience as a wigmaker helped a lot.”
Despite her extensive background, constructing the record-breaking wig proved to be an arduous undertaking. Williams admitted, “At some point, I felt exhausted.
However, friends and family encouraged me. I did not want to let them down, so I maintained my focus. The outcome is the longest handmade wig in the world.”
The most significant challenge emerged in finding a space to accurately measure the colossal creation. None of the venues, including various running tracks, provided sufficient length.
Eventually, Helen resorted to the unconventional yet fitting location beside the Lagos–Abeokuta Expressway, symbolizing the journey of her remarkable achievement.
Currently housed in her office, the record-setting wig is open for public viewing. Helen Williams invites anyone interested to witness the extraordinary creation firsthand.
Having grown up flipping through the annual Guinness World Records book, Williams expressed profound joy at now being a record holder herself.
“It will take a while for me to digest. This achievement is one of the best things that has ever happened to me. I still cannot believe it,” she exclaimed.
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