In a stunning celebration of natural beauty and perseverance, criminal justice advocate Jess Martinez has officially entered the Guinness World Records book. The New York-based content creator now holds the title for the world's largest afro (female-living), a monumental achievement that underscores a powerful journey of self-acceptance.
Official Measurements and a New Record Holder
The historic measurement took place on 23 October 2025, under the strict supervision of Guinness World Records officials. Three independent assessors carefully measured Martinez's magnificent hair, recording its impressive dimensions.
The results were astounding: her afro stands 29 cm (11.42 in) tall, spans 31 cm (12.2 in) in width, and boasts a colossal circumference of 190 cm (6 ft 2.87 in). To put this into perspective, the distance around her afro is roughly three times the height of Jyoti Amge, the world's shortest living woman.
Martinez is only the second woman in history to ever receive this prestigious title, succeeding Aevin Dugas, who originally set the record back in 2010.
The Inspiring Journey to Natural Hair
Jess Martinez, who lives in Rockland County, New York, is not just a record-breaker but also a dedicated criminal justice advocate and the founder of the brand Somebody's Auntie. Her path to this global recognition was paved with personal transformation.
For much of her childhood and into her freshman year of college, Martinez used chemical relaxers and straightening treatments. She has spoken candidly about how these salon visits made her feel uncomfortable and disconnected from her natural hair texture.
Everything changed in 2014 when she made the pivotal decision to stop relaxing her hair. Committing fully to nurturing her natural curl pattern, she spent years consistently caring for her hair, allowing it to flourish. It was the encouragement from her online community and followers that finally convinced her to submit an application to Guinness World Records.
Passing the Torch: Aevin Dugas's Legacy
The woman who held the record for 15 years, Aevin Dugas from Reserve, Louisiana, has become a symbol of body positivity and natural hair acceptance. In 2025, she was honored as a Guinness World Records ICON for her impactful advocacy.
Dugas's own afro measures 25 cm in height, 26 cm in width, with a circumference of 165 cm. Remarkably, she had always hoped to pass the title on to another deserving woman, even keeping a sparkly crown from a 2020 photoshop for the occasion.
"I always wanted to pass it, not watch the thing get snatched out of my hand," Dugas explained, noting that her ICON recognition felt like the perfect transition.
In a heartfelt moment, Martinez and Dugas finally met for a photoshoot with GWR adjudicator Michael Empric. Martinez described the encounter as a joy, stating, "I feel like she is the same online as she is in person – a lot of personality... I just feel so blessed."
More Than Hair: A Message of Empowerment
For both Martinez and Dugas, this record is about far more than hair. It is a platform for visibility, confidence, and cultural acceptance. Martinez hopes her achievement shows young people with textured hair that their natural style is professional, valid, and a powerful form of self-expression.
Both women also shared practical advice for maintaining healthy natural hair. Dugas emphasized the importance of a knowledgeable stylist, advising, "Keep people's hands out of your head; don't let just anyone in your head." Martinez recommends low-tension styles like twists to preserve length and warns against product buildup.
Reflecting on her accomplishment, Martinez shared, "When I found out that I broke the record, I was actually in shock... To see someone like me, with hair like this, in the Guinness World Records book, is just so absolutely incredible." She added that the experience proved to her that she can "do hard things" and has left her feeling capable of achieving anything.
Jess Martinez's recognition by Guinness World Records is a testament to resilience, identity, and the beautiful power of embracing one's natural self.
