Nationwide — Inside a bustling New York City hair salon, two extraordinary women sat side by side in stylist chairs that looked more like thrones. It was here that Aevin Dugas, after holding the Guinness World Records title for the world’s largest afro (female) for 15 years, officially passed the crown to her successor, Jessica “Jess” L. Martinez, the newest record holder. The moment felt like a celebration of unity, identity, and sisterhood rather than a competition.
As part of Guinness World Records Day, Aevin and Jess met for a special handover ceremony that brought warmth, laughter, and admiration. Rather than rivalry, the room was filled with joy as the two bonded instantly over their shared journeys, their love for natural hair, and the significance of representing Black beauty on a global stage. Aevin, who has long used her platform to encourage self-love, expressed just how meaningful the passing of the torch felt to her.
“What I hope people see when they watch us meet is that I love myself, she loves herself, and we’re both trying to get people to love themselves,” Aevin said. “It’s not a competition — it’s literally all love.” With that spirit, she gently placed the symbolic crown on Jess’s head, adjusting her curls with the care of a proud sister cheering on the next generation.
According to Guinness World Records, Jess claimed the new record on October 23rd after three people assisted with measuring her hair. Her magnificent afro measured 29 cm (11.42 in) tall, 31 cm (12.2 in) wide, and an astonishing 190 cm (6 ft 2.87 in) in circumference — roughly three times the height of the world’s shortest woman living, Jyoti Amge of India. With these measurements, Jess officially became the owner of the largest afro in the world, continuing a legacy she deeply respects.
Aevin, a native of Reserve, Louisiana, first made history in 2010 when she broke the record and later received her official Guinness World Records certificate during a televised presentation in Rome, Italy. Her natural hair — measuring 25 cm tall, 26 cm wide, and 165 cm in circumference — kept her at the top for more than a decade. In 2025, she was named a Guinness World Records ICON for her longstanding commitment to body positivity, cultural empowerment, and self-acceptance.
Reflecting on her legacy, Aevin described the record-breaking community as something magical. “It really is like an X-Men situation, where you have all these superheroes in a book with different powers — and mine is big hair,” she joked. “We all have our special powers.” As Jess steps into her new role, both women stand as powerful symbols of pride, confidence, and the global celebration of natural Black beauty.