A Nigerian wig maker, Helen Williams, has set a new Guinness World Records title after creating the tallest wig in the world.
Guinness World Records confirmed that the wig stands at 15.37 metres, making it taller than a three-storey building. The latest feat adds to Williams’ growing list of global records in wig making.
The record body noted that Williams already holds the titles for the world’s longest handmade wig, which measures 351.28 metres, and the widest wig at 3.65 metres. The tallest wig is now her third major Guinness World Records achievement.
Reacting to the new record, Williams said she has no plans to stop pushing boundaries.
“I don’t think I’ll ever stop breaking records,” she said.
She described record-breaking as a tough but rewarding journey.
“To have a record is like climbing a mountain. The climb is hard and full of challenges but the view from the top is incredible.
“Breaking another record shows that nothing is impossible,” she added.
Williams explained that creating the tallest wig was her most challenging project so far. According to her, an earlier attempt failed before she redesigned the structure that supports the wig.
“Before the attempt, I did a test run and to be honest, the test one failed.
“Making the wig stand was going to be very difficult but I went back and started designing again.
“Finally, I was able to figure out how to go about it, and I started my official attempt months later and everything went well,” she said.
Guinness World Records disclosed that the wig was made using about 250 bundles of string hair and cost over ₦3m, estimated at £1,551 or $2,066. The project took two weeks to complete and involved several technical challenges.
Williams said while long wigs come easily to her, building the tallest wig required careful planning and engineering.
“The longest wig was easiest as a wig maker, but the most technical and most challenging record was the tallest wig.
“It was very challenging because of the construction of the structure; it was very difficult.
“You can know how to make a wig and have 10 or 20 years of experience, but if the internal structure doesn’t hold you won’t get the record,” she said.
Apart from the tallest wig, Guinness World Records also lists Williams as the holder of records for the most hair clips in a wig in 30 seconds with 94 clips, and the most hair clips worn on the head in 30 seconds with 97 clips.
Reflecting on her achievements, Williams said each record represents personal strength and determination.
“Each record represents a battle I fought against doubt, fear and limits.
“The records remind me that if you refuse to give up, anything is possible,” she said.
Asked if she plans to attempt more records, Williams made her position clear.
“There are more records to break, more boundaries to push and more dreams to achieve,” she said.
