Meet Smita Srivastava: The Real-Life Rapunzel with the World’s Longest Hair
Meet Smita Srivastava, a 46-year-old woman from Uttar Pradesh who has captured the world’s attention with her extraordinary mane. Holding the Guinness World Record for the longest hair on a living person, Ms. Srivastava proudly refers to herself as the “real Rapunzel.”
Since the age of 14, Ms. Srivastava has refrained from cutting her hair, allowing it to grow to an impressive length of 7 feet and 9 inches. Last year, her remarkable tresses were officially measured, solidifying her place in history. Describing her deep connection to her hair, she shared with Guinness World Records (GWR), “I love my hair so much.”
Expressing her dreams of achieving more recognition for her hair, Ms. Srivastava stated, “I used to dream about holding a world record title and god answered my prayers. I want my hair to gain more recognition like this so I can gain more records.”
Maintaining her lengthy locks is no easy feat, as Ms. Srivastava dedicates up to three hours twice a week to washing, drying, detangling, and styling her hair. She follows a natural hair care regime, avoiding artificial products and incorporating ingredients like egg, onion juice, and Aloe Vera.
Inspired by her family and ’80s Hindi cinema actresses known for their beautiful long hair, Ms. Srivastava sees her hair as a symbol of beauty in society. Despite the challenges of managing such long hair, she remains committed to never cutting it and continuing to let it grow.
When venturing outdoors with her flowing locks, Ms. Srivastava often leaves onlookers in awe. The extraordinary length of her hair garners disbelief from those who struggle to comprehend the dedication and care she puts into maintaining her record-breaking mane.
With a collection of hair she has saved over the years, Ms. Srivastava’s passion for her locks shines through in every aspect of her life. As she continues to embrace her unique identity as the “real Rapunzel,” she serves as an inspiration to all who encounter her story.
