Women having long hair is seen as a sign of beauty in many cultures across the world. However, the women belonging to the Red Yao Hill tribe of China take this sentiment very seriously as they maintain long hair throughout their life. For the tribe, long hair symbolises health, fortune, and prosperity. Thanks to their long hair, the women of the Red Yao tribe are often referred to as real-life Rapunzels. This year Red Yao women from several villages gathered in Huangluo Yao Village in Longsheng Autonomous County to celebrate the Longji Long Hair Festival and hosted the successful Guinness World Records attempt of the world’s longest hair-combing exercise. As part of the festivities, the women communally wash and comb their hair. On April 22, 256 women headed to the banks of the Guijiang River and stood next to each other to create the longest hair-combing chain. The women began combing the hair of women in front of them using traditional wooden combs. Long Hair Festival: 250 Chinese women land record with beautiful combing ceremonyhttps://t.co/7ACXh4BtaZ— Guinness World Records (@GWR) May 25, 2023 It is believed that Red Yao women from China only cut their hair once when they turn 18 years old. However, this tradition is no longer followed in the community as women are slowly turning to modern professions that make it convenient to maintain shorter hair. The people of the Red Yao tribe are known for concocting hair care products made entirely of natural ingredients. They are also known for soaking their hair in fermented rice water to maintain their lustre and strength. Other than hosting the successful Guinness World Records attempt, the festival also included costume runway shows, traditional dance and music events, and a large bonfire party.
