Guinness World Records Day
NEED TO KNOW
A woman recently broke the Guinness World Record for the largest afro on a living person (female)
Jessica L. Martinez's hair measures 11.42 inches tall, 12.2 inches wide and 6 feet, 2.87 inches in circumference
She told PEOPLE in an exclusive interview, "The things that make us different and unique should always be celebrated"
A woman'safrobroke a world record — and she's now using the honor to speak about the importance ofcelebrating natural hair.
Jessica L. Martinez was recently awarded theGuinness World Record for the largest afro on a living person (female), with her hair measuring 11.42 inches tall, 12.2 inches wide and 6 feet, 2.87 inches in circumference.
"For me, breaking this record confirms that the things that make us different and unique should always be celebrated," Martinez, 29, tells PEOPLE exclusively.
"It amplifies what I have always known deep down, that natural hair is not a trend, it's a lifestyle," she continues.
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Guinness World Records Day
According to Martinez — who works as a justice advocate and is the creator and CEO ofSomebody's Auntie— her relationship with her hair "feels like a long-lasting friendship."
"My hair and I have gone through ups and downs over the years, and at the end of a long day, it's just the two of us preparing for whatever tomorrow might bring," she says.
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Still, Martinez explains that it wasn't always a loving relationship. "For many years, I found myself comparing my hair to the people around me, trying to fit in. When I finally stopped fighting with my hair to conform to the environment around me, I felt a freedom that I didn't know I needed," she says.
"The moment I stopped comparing my hair to others, not holding on to individuals' comments about me, or glances when I walked by, I found peace," Martinez continues, adding: "This took a mindset shift around my ideas of beauty, self-care and hair hygiene as a whole."
Guinness World Records Day
Martinez was awarded her Guinness World Records honor by former titleholder Aevin Dugas. "Meeting Aevin was a very special moment because she has paved the way for me and anyone else to hold this awesome title. It's very beautiful to have her support in celebrating the passing of the crown," she tells PEOPLE.
"I hope that breaking this World Record will inspire someone to dream bigger, just like my afro," she continues, also highlighting the importance "to be patient, kind and gentle with your hair and never compare it to anyone else's."
As for the specific advice she has for young girls who may struggle with their natural hair — in the same way she did as a child — Martinez says, "You are enough. You are beautifully and wonderfully made, so never feel the need to hide your curls from the world. I'm not hiding mine, and neither should you."
"Having this title is such a blessing to me and my younger self. I plan to continue to be an advocate in the natural hair industry and work towards ending hair discrimination worldwide," she adds.
Read the original article onPeople
