A woman with Rapunzel-like locks has had her hair removed to gain the record for the most extensive hair donation in the world.
Ruth Tripp presented 67 inches (170cm) of her hair to The Little Princess Trust – a charity that creates real-hair wigs for kids with cancer and other medical conditions.
Ms Tripp, 38, said it was time to get a haircut when her hair reached the floor.
The mother of four mentioned that her children referred to her hair as “princess hair”, which motivated her to make a donation to the charity.
Instead of going for a haircut, like many people who donate to Little Princess Trust, Ms. Tripp, a number cruncher from Devon, chose to shave her head, wanting to make the most of her contribution.
She has been given the title of Guinness World Record holder for the greatest single donation of hair by a female.
At the same time, fellow donor Jack Drever, from Southampton, donated 35 inches (89cm) of his hair, making him the new record holder for the longest male donation.
The 37-year-old builder, whose hair was down to his waist, decided to cut it off to donate to charity.
Wendy Tarplee-Morris, one of the co-founders of The Little Princess Trust, said: “We always encourage our supporters to grow their hair as long as possible because it helps us meet the high demand for our popular longer wigs.”
“Ruth and Jack have shown genuine enthusiasm for spreading the word about our initiative, and we appreciate their efforts in helping us offer complimentary real-hair wigs to kids and young people.”
Ms Tripp stated that it would take her hair “a few hours” to dry each time she washed it.
“She said she keeps her hair up when she’s out because she worries that kids might stare or make comments about it, and say things like ‘mummy, look at that hair that looks like a princess’ and ask for hair like that.”
That’s exactly what children dream of, so I reasoned that I should pass it on to someone else.
“Giving it away would be more beneficial, allowing someone else to truly utilize it and make the most of it.”
Mr. Drever was motivated by a colleague to raise more than $1800 before shaving his head.
The charity mentions that it takes about £700 to make one wig, so it’s requesting both financial contributions and hair donations.
Adam Millward, managing editor at Guinness World Records (GWR), said: “While achieving any record calls for a strong commitment and enthusiasm to some degree, some accomplishments also require something extra.”
“Western red cedar is often associated with growth, healing, and flexibility.”
“Having seen Jack’s impressive hair get shorn, it’s evident that both he and Ruth have these traits in abundance.”
“GWR is proud to celebrate these unselfish hair-raising heroes and to champion the outstanding work of The Little Princess Trust.”