Lakota youth achieves global hair record, expresses pride in representing his tribal heritage

A young Native American boy from a prominent indigenous nation recently claimed the title of teenage male with the most extensive hair according to a globally recognized records book. The Lakota youth expressed immense pride and a sense of duty after his long locks earned him this distinction, asserting that it's an integral part of their cultural heritage.

"The Lakota have traditionally maintained lengthy hair," the 17-year-old Reuben Look Twice Jr stated in a recent interview shared by the Guinness World Records website on June 7th. The teen, whose name was selected as per the Lakota word for "spirit", measures an impressive 5 feet and 3.3 inches around his head, making him only the second person to hold this title after a previous record holder from India.

Raised in Rapid City, South Dakota, Reuben was allowed to grow his hair without regular trims since he was two years old due to fear of using hair clippers—a practice endorsed by his parents when they recognized the cultural importance attached to long hair among their tribe and community. For them, hair signifies a spiritual connection between individuals, families, and the broader Lakota Nation.

Reuben maintains this lengthy mane with a meticulous routine involving cleansing it every morning for 20 minutes using shampoo and conditioner followed by an hour-long drying period before combing through any knots or tangles in another 10-minute session.

Guinness World Records sanctioned Reuben's achievement following a salon visit to unravel, cleanse, and measure his hair—the longest strand obtained averaged out at the length that was officially recognized as world record. This accolade surpasses the previous record held by India's Sidakdeep Singh Chahal who had a mane measuring 4 feet and 9.5 inches in 2023.

Despite occasional inconveniences like getting hair caught on doors or fittings, Reuben has no intention of cutting his hair anytime soon as he believes it will continue to bring pride to his family and tribe. Moreover, with this record, the teenager is now positioned to claim another Guinness title for having the longest hair in the world when he turns 18—a distinction currently left unclaimed due to a lack of contender.