Helen Williams, a highly skilled wigmaker from Lagos, has made an indelible mark in the Guinness World Records by meticulously crafting the world’s longest handmade wig. The impressive creation spans an astounding 351.28 meters (1,152 ft 5 in), a testament to Helen’s dedication that extended over 11 days and a financial commitment of over two million naira (£2,031; $2,493).
Acknowledging her exceptional achievement, the Guinness World Records, via its official “X” account, proudly shared, “Helen Williams from Lagos, Nigeria has achieved a new record for the longest handmade wig which stretches an incredible 351.28 metres (1,152 ft 5 in).”
Helen embarked on this remarkable venture by constructing the underlay with wig-cap netting and black fabric affixed to a bicycle helmet. The completion of this extraordinary hairpiece involved the use of 1,000 bundles of hair, 12 cans of hair spray, 35 tubes of hair glue, and an impressive 6,250 hair clips.
Reflecting on the challenges encountered during this ambitious project, Helen remarked, “Finding the materials to make the longest wig was not an easy task, but my experience as a wigmaker helped a lot.” With eight years of professional expertise, she typically produces between 50 to 300 wigs per week.
Despite her background, the endeavor to create this record-breaking wig presented its unique set of challenges. Helen candidly shared, “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.”
One significant hurdle Helen faced was finding a suitable space to lay out the wig in a straight line for accurate measurement. Multiple venues, including several running tracks, proved inadequate. Eventually, she opted for the expansive Lagos–Abeokuta Expressway, a lengthy road connecting the cities of Lagos and Abeokuta.
Having accomplished this extraordinary feat, the world-record wig now resides in Helen’s office. She extends an open invitation to anyone interested, welcoming them to come and admire her creation “whenever they want to.”
Expressing her elation about being featured in the Guinness World Records book, Helen conveyed her joy, stating, ‘it is one of the best things that has ever happened to me. I still cannot believe it.’
IMAGE: Web
