Faith Nyasuguta
Nigerian artist Helen Williams has achieved remarkable global recognition by breaking multiple world records in the field of handcrafted wigs. This week, the Guinness Book of World Records announced that Helen Williams, who previously set the record for the longest handcrafted wig, has now created the world’s widest wig, adding another significant accomplishment to her name.
Williams joins the ranks of Nigeria’s Guinness World Record holders, following the esteemed chef Hilda Baci.
According to the Guinness Book of World Records, Williams, a native of Nigeria, crafted an astonishing hairpiece that measures 3.65 meters (11 feet 11 inches) in width and extends to the floor. This remarkable creation is comparable in size to a Mini Cooper, which is 3.63 meters (11 feet 10 inches) long.
The 31-year-old began the intricate work on the wig in February, completing it in one month. The wig required more than 800 bundles of auburn hair, with Helen investing 4,138,200 Naira ($2,719; £2,150) in materials. In addition to this latest achievement, Helen holds the record for securing 90 hair clips in a wig within 30 seconds. “I am very proud of myself. I now hold three records,” she said.
“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,” she added.
Helen’s creation process was predominantly manual, relying on needle and thread to assemble the wig’s framework and embellishing it with over a thousand rhinestones. She cited American actress Drew Barrymore as her inspiration, “I am a big fan of Drew Barrymore; she also inspired me,” Helen said.
The challenges of creating such an enormous wig were substantial. “I encountered many problems. The first few days of the attempt 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,” she stated, highlighting her biggest hurdles.
HILDA BACI
In May 2023, Nigerian chef Hilda Baci captured national attention by cooking nonstop for over 90 hours in an attempt to break the Guinness World Record for the longest cooking marathon. Baci surpassed Lata Tondon’s 2019 record of 87 hours and 45 minutes, achieving her goal and making history. Her incredible feat was officially recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records the following month, cementing her status as a record holder.
Baci embarked on her extraordinary culinary journey on Thursday, May 11, and continued for four relentless days until Monday, May 15, captivating the nation. During this time, she prepared nearly 100 dishes, showcasing an impressive variety of cuisines. Her unwavering dedication and passion for cooking set a new benchmark in the culinary world.
The rigorous verification process by Guinness World Records confirmed Baci’s exceptional accomplishment. With a total of 93 hours and 11 minutes, she firmly established her place in history, becoming a household name in Nigeria. Her achievement highlights the remarkable talents and determination of Nigerian individuals on the global stage.
Helen Williams’ recent triumph in wig-making, coupled with Hilda Baci’s culinary success, showcases the diverse and extraordinary capabilities of Nigerian talent, inspiring many across the globe.
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