In a remarkable feat, a 46-year-old Indian woman from Uttar Pradesh, Smita Srivastava, has secured a place in the Guinness World Records for having the longest hair on a living person. Srivastava’s awe-inspiring tresses, which she has not cut since the age of 14, were officially measured at an astounding 7 feet and 9 inches.
The inspiration behind Srivastava’s extraordinary hair journey traces back to the long hairstyles adorned by Hindi actresses in the 1980s. Deeply rooted in Indian culture, where goddesses are traditionally depicted with lengthy locks, Srivastava expressed that the societal belief of considering it inauspicious to cut hair has influenced women to cultivate and maintain long hair.
“In Indian culture, goddesses traditionally had very long hair. In our society, it is considered inauspicious to cut hair, so that is why women used to grow hair,” Srivastava shared with Guinness World Records. She believes that long hair enhances the beauty of women, and her commitment to this cultural tradition is now recognized globally.
Srivastava has no plans of parting with her impressive mane any time soon. Firm in her decision, she declared, “I will take care of my hair as long as I can. I will never cut my hair because my life is in my hair.” Her determination is fueled by a desire to witness the continued growth of her hair and explore the limits of its manageability.
This achievement not only cements Smita Srivastava’s name in the Guinness World Records but also serves as a testament to the cultural significance attached to long hair in Indian tradition. Her unwavering dedication to preserving this age-old practice sets her apart as a living embodiment of a unique and cherished cultural heritage.
