Long fingernails have fascinated people for their remarkable lengths and dedication to their upkeep. Here are some of the individuals who have held the Guinness World Record for the longest fingernails ever grown:
Lee Redmond (2008):
Lee Redmond from the United States held the record for the longest fingernails on both hands for a cumulative length of 8.65 meters (28 feet 4.5 inches). She started growing her nails in 1979 and had not cut them since.
Ayanna Williams (2027):
Ayanna Williams from the United States surpassed Lee Redmond’s record in 2017. Her combined nail length on both hands measured 8.65 meters (28 feet 4.5 inches), the same as Redmond’s record. Williams had been growing her nails for over 20 years when she set the record.
Shridhar Chillal (2018):
Shridhar Chillal from India held the record for the longest fingernails on a single hand. His nails on his left hand measured a cumulative length of 909.6 centimeters (29 feet 10.1 inches) when he set the record. Chillal had been growing his nails for 66 years before finally cutting them off in 2018.
Chillal’s Cut Nails (2018):
After cutting his record-breaking nails, Shridhar Chillal’s detached fingernails were put on display at Ripley’s Believe It or Not! in New York City.
Ripley’s Believe It or Not!:
As a repository of oddities and records, Ripley’s Believe It or Not! has showcased the nails of various record holders, including Lee Redmond’s nails and Shridhar Chillal’s cut nails.
The length of these record-breaking fingernails is a testament to the dedication and patience of the individuals who grew them. Maintaining such long nails requires careful attention to hygiene and daily activities, and it can be a lifelong commitment. In many cases, these individuals have decided to part with their extraordinary nails after setting their records, often donating them to institutions or organizations dedicated to preserving remarkable human achievements.
