(PHOTOS): NIGERIAN WIG MAKER BREAKS 3RD GUINNESS WORLD RECORD WITH ‘WILDEST WIG’
Creator of the longest handmade wig is back with another hair-raising record – the widest wig.
Helen Williams (Nigeria) crafted a hairpiece that’s 3.65 m (11 ft 11 in) wide and trails all the way to the floor.
For scale, a Mini Cooper is 3.63 m (11 ft 10 in) long.
The professional wig maker began working on her latest record-breaking creation in February, and it took her just over a month to complete.
It’s made from more than 800 bundles of auburn hair and Helen spent 4,138,200 Naira ($2,719; £2,150) on the materials.
Helen, who also holds the record for most hair clips in a wig in 30 seconds with 90, said: “I am very proud of myself. I now hold three records.
“As a professional wig maker, I look forward to breaking many more records in the wig category. I enjoy taking on difficult tasks, it makes me a better person and I learn new things.”
Helen, 31, made her very wide wig mostly by hand but used a sewing machine for some parts.
She stitched it all together on the framework with needle and thread and attached over 1,000 rhinestones to it.
Helen makes wigs every day, but this was such a huge project that it took her months to plan and design.
She was inspired to take on the challenge by actress and talk show host Drew Barrymore, who was involved in making a previous record-breaking wide wig.
“I am a big fan of Drew Barrymore, she also inspired me,” Helen said.
Helen did face some challenges though.
She told us: “I encountered many problems. The first few days of the attempt were difficult because I couldn’t walk or sit properly anymore.
“I was feeling pains everywhere, I had to deal with neck pains, back pains, and pains in my thighs.
“Putting the wig on my head was also very tough because of the weight.
“But I am very happy I completed the project.”
Helen has put the wig on display in her office and plans to keep it there.
“I want my children and great grandkids to grow up and see the widest wig,” she said. “The wig is now part of history.”
When she first began her journey to becoming a record breaker, Helen says she faced negativity from doubters on social media who said she’d never be able to do it.
But she has a very different experience online these days.
Her advice to others is: “No matter how difficult it looks, don’t ever give up”.