24 feet long nail record keeper Ayanna finally cuts her nails!
Known as the lady with the world’s longest fingernails, Guinness World Records title holder Ayanna Williams (USA), left her grand manicure by cutting her nails last weekend.
Dr Allison Readinger of Trinity Vista Dermatology in Forth Worth, Texas (USA), used an electric drill to cut the record holder’s long nails after estimating its length for last time.
Incidentally, Houston-local Ayanna broke her own record for the longest fingernails on a hand of a person (female) with another length of 733.55 cm (24 ft 0.7 in). This is the first time the record holder has cut her nails since the early 90s, which means it was an emotional, bittersweet goodbye when Ayanna finally had to part with them.
“I’ve been growing my nails for a few decades now. I’m so, so ready for a new life. I know I’m going to miss them, but it’s just about that time – it’s time for them to go,” said the record maker and breaker. Ayanna has committed more than 28 years to develop her nails. As it were, the element has become a vital piece of what her identity is.
As a child, the Texan cherished nails and nail workmanship. She recalled requesting her mom to check how long her nails were and in the event that she could paint them in certain tones. Needless to say, Ayanna has successfully made her childhood dreams come true.
In 2017, Ayanna was first formally perceived for her huge claws and in 2018 she was one of the record-breaking stars to highlight in Guinness World Records. Her nails, at that time, were 576.4 cm (18 ft 10.9 in) and she required more than two containers of nail paint and 20 hours to do her nail treatment.
“I have this thing that I do with kids when they come up to me and they say ‘are those your nails?!’ and I say ‘no doubt’ and afterwards I ask ‘How old would you say you are?’ and they say ‘I’m ten or I’m seven, and I say ‘Think about how old my nails are? They’re similar to 28 – 29 years! They’re more seasoned than you!'”
While this whole journey has unquestionably been a vital one for Ayanna, she is anticipating the future and the heritage that her record will bring for a long time into the future, particularly for her kids and grandkids. Her sensitive fingernails will currently be safeguarded and in plain view at the “Ripley’s Believe It or Not!” – Historical centre in Orlando, Florida, something Ayanna is exceptionally amped up for.
“It’s gonna be awesome. It’s going to be like the wax of myself even though it’s just my nails. I can’t wait to see that, for real. I’m going to be grinning from ear to ear. Just really think about it, it’s amazing,” she said.
Despite the fact that Ayanna’s latest estimation broke her previous record, the record for the longest fingernails on a couple of hands ever (female) still remains with Lee Redmond (USA), who began to develop them in 1979 and painstakingly manicured them to arrive at a complete length of 8.65 m (28 ft 4.5 in).
In the short term, Ayanna plans to develop her nails once more, however not exactly to the length she previously had.
However, regardless of her record title, nails will always be one of her favourite accessories.
“With or without my nails, I will still be the queen. My nails don’t make me, I make my nails!“
Featured image: Ripley’s Believe it or not
Priyanka Sharma