Nigerian lady breaks 3rd Guinness World Record with widest wig

The Guinness World Records (GWR) has certified Helen Williams, the Nigerian hair maker, as the new record holder for the widest handmade wig. 

In a recent blog post, the British reference book revealed Helen crafted a hairpiece that is 3.65 m (11ft 11 inches) wide and trails to the floor.

This, according to GWR, is comparable to a Mini Cooper which is 3.63 m (11 ft 10 in) long.

The professional wig maker began her third record-breaking attempt in February, and it took her a month to complete.

Helen made the wig from more than 800 bundles of auburn hair while she spent over N4 million ($2,719; £2,150) on the materials.

GWR disclosed that the 31-year-old 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,” the post reads in part.

“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.”

Also speaking, Helen said: “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 said she drew her inspiration from Drew Barrymore, the American actress who set the widest wig record in 2017.

Helen now holds three records, including setting a new record for putting in 90 hair clips in a wig in 30 seconds and for the longest handmade wig.

Last November, GWR certified Helen as the record holder for the longest handmade wig.

Helen also holds the record for most hair clips (90) in a wig in 30 seconds.