Nigerian wig maker Hellen Williams has set her third world record with an extraordinary creation, the widest wig, which surpasses the length of a Mini Cooper.
Known for crafting the longest handmade wig, Hellen Williams has now achieved another remarkable feat.
She designed a wig measuring 3.65 meters, 11 feet 11 inches, wide, which extends all the way to the floor. For perspective, a Mini Cooper is 3.63 meters, 11 feet 10 inches, long.
The professional wig maker began working on this latest record-breaking piece in February, completing it in just over a month.
The wig is made from over 800 bundles of auburn hair, and Hellen invested 4,138,200 Naira, $2,719; £2,150, in the materials.
Hellen, who also holds the record for attaching the most hair clips to a wig in 30 seconds (with 90 clips), expressed her pride, noting, “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.
Speaking about the challenges she faced during the attempt, Hellen added, “I encountered many problems. The first few days 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, Hellen 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.
“People all over the world contact me and tell me that I inspire them. People now know who Hellen Williams is. I am grateful to Guinness World Records for giving me a platform to showcase my talent.”
Her advice to others is, “No matter how difficult it looks, don’t ever give up.”
