Ayanna Williams, the World Record Longest Fingernails

Ayanna Williams, a nail technician from Houston, Texas, gained global recognition for holding the world record for the longest fingernails on a pair of hands. She began growing her nails in the early 1990s and maintained them for nearly three decades. By the time she officially measured them in 2017, they had reached a combined length of over 18 feet. Her dedication to nail growth earned her a spot in the Guinness World Records, and she became a familiar figure in the media, often appearing in interviews and TV segments.Maintaining her nails was no small task. Daily activities such as cleaning, dressing, and even sleeping required extra care and adjustments. She used multiple bottles of nail polish during each manicure, and the process could take several days to complete.In 2021, Williams decided it was time for a change. She had her nails cut at a dermatology clinic in Fort Worth, Texas, and donated them to Ripley’s Believe It or Not! museum. After the cut, she said she felt relief and looked forward to doing everyday tasks with more ease.