Inside a vibrant New York City salon—one that felt more like a royal court than a workspace—two women took their places on stylist chairs that might as well have been thrones.
It was here that Aevin Dugas, after 15 years as the Guinness World Records titleholder for the world’s largest afro (female), gracefully passed the crown to her successor, Jessica “Jess” L. Martinez.
In honor of Guinness World Records Day, Aevin and Jess met for a warm and spirited handover ceremony filled with laughter and admiration. The energy in the room affirmed what both women knew well—Black beauty has always been bigger than records; it’s a legacy. For Aevin, who has long championed self-love and cultural pride through her platform, the moment held deep significance.
“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,” Dugas said. “It’s not a competition — it’s literally all love.”
Guinness World Records confirmed Martinez’s new title on October 23rd, following an official measurement assisted by three evaluators. Her awe-inspiring 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—nearly three times the height of the world’s shortest woman living, Jyoti Amge of India. With these dimensions, Jess now carries the title of the largest afro in the world, a distinction she holds with deep reverence.
Aevin, a Louisiana native from the community of Reserve, first claimed the record in 2010. She later received her official certificate during a televised presentation in Rome, Italy. Her measurements—25 cm tall, 26 cm wide, and 165 cm in circumference—kept her on top for over a decade. In 2025, she was named a Guinness World Records ICON for her unwavering dedication to body positivity, cultural empowerment, and self-acceptance.
Reflecting on her journey, Dugas described the record-breaking community as nothing short of magical—comparing it to a universe of superheroes, each with a unique power.
“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,” Dugas said. “We all have our special powers.”
As Martinez steps confidently into her new chapter, both women stand as an affirmation that our hair is truly our crown.
