Helen Williams, a talented wigmaker from Nigeria, has made headlines by setting a new Guinness World Record for creating the longest handmade wig. On Tuesday, Guinness World Records officially recognized her remarkable achievement, as her extraordinary wig measured an astounding length of 351.28 meters (1,152 feet 5 inches).
The arduous task took Helen 11 days of meticulous work and required an investment of over two million naira (£2,031; $2,493). Employing her exceptional skills, she constructed the foundation of the wig using a wig-cap netting and black fabric attached to a bicycle helmet. She then meticulously attached 1,000 bundles of hair, using 12 cans of hair spray, 35 tubes of hair glue, and 6,250 hair clips to complete the hairpiece.
Helen, who has been a professional wigmaker for the past eight years, is accustomed to crafting between 50 to 300 wigs on a weekly basis. However, achieving a world record was a significant challenge, even for someone with her level of experience.
Speaking to the Guinness World Records team, Helen 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.”
Impressively, Helen undertook this remarkable feat alongside the bustling Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway, a major route connecting Ogun and Lagos State. Her determination and dedication have earned her much-deserved admiration and recognition.
This achievement by Helen Williams adds to the growing list of Nigerians who have made their mark in the Guinness World Records this year. Earlier in the year, chef Hilda Baci set a record for the longest cooking marathon, capturing the attention and imagination of many. However, Irish chef Alan Fisher recently surpassed Hilda’s record, amplifying the competitive spirit of record-breaking endeavors.
Helen’s incredible achievement not only showcases her outstanding talent and craftsmanship but also serves as an inspiration to aspiring wigmakers and artists around the world. Her unwavering commitment to perfection and her unwavering passion for her craft have propelled her into the esteemed company of record-breakers, etching her name in history.
