Two hairstyling records have recently captured global attention, showcasing the immense creativity and skill in the world of cosmetology. One achievement has a woman creating a unique record with a 9-foot-long “straight braid,” while another has a renowned hairstylist, Dani Hiswani, entering the Guinness World Records for the “highest hairstyle in the world.”
In September 2022, Syrian hairstylist Dani Hiswani set a new Guinness World Record for the highest hairstyle, measuring an astonishing 2.90 meters (9 ft 6.5 in). The monumental coiffure, which he shaped into a Christmas tree, was created with the help of a model wearing a helmet and a tall frame. To achieve the impressive height and shape, Hiswani used a combination of wigs and hair extensions.
While the record drew widespread praise, Hiswani also faced criticism on social media from some who questioned the use of non-natural hair. However, Guinness World Records has specific criteria for such categories, and the use of wigs and extensions is permitted, as long as the record’s specific rules are followed. This allows artists to showcase their creativity and technical skill in ways that would be impossible with natural hair alone. Hiswani’s work, which he considers an art form, highlights the structural and architectural possibilities of hairstyling.
Separately, the claim of a woman with a 9-foot-long “straight braid” would place her among the most celebrated record holders for hair length. The official Guinness World Record for the longest hair on a living person (female) is held by Smita Srivastava from Uttar Pradesh, India, whose hair measures 236.22 cm (7 ft 9 in). This category, which is a testament to natural hair care and dedication, is distinct from the creative and structural records that allow for extensions.
These two records demonstrate the diverse ways in which hair is celebrated and serve as a powerful reminder that while some records are about natural gifts and long-term commitment, others are about pushing the boundaries of art and human ingenuity.
