Jessica Martinez has officially been recognized by Guinness World Records for having the Largest Afro (Female), with measurements reaching 29 cm (11.42 in) in height, 31 cm (12.2 in) in width, and an extraordinary 190 cm (6 ft 2.87 in) in circumference.

Jessica was joined by former record holder Aevin Dugas for a symbolic “passing of the crown” at the official measurement session. The record to beat was 24.89 cm (9.8 in) high, 25.9 cm (10.2 in) wide, and 164.6 cm (5 ft 4 in) in circumference. A Guinness World Records adjudicator conducted the measurement that took three people to complete, confirming Martinez as the new titleholder.

Jessica’s achievement marks a significant cultural milestone for beauty, identity, and representation. Afros have long held social, historical, and political significance, and Guinness World Records’ continued recognition of the category validates that significance on a global stage.

For Jessica, the record is a personal accomplishment that reflects years of care, maintenance, and pride in her natural hair, a journey shared by many Black women who continue to redefine beauty standards.

Dugas, who previously held the record for over a decade, traveled to New York for the occasion. She first officially earned the record title in October 2010, when measurements were taken at a salon in New Orleans: 18.5 cm (7.3 in) high, 19.6 cm (7.7 in) wide and 132.1 cm (4 ft 4 in) in circumference.

Her presence added a sense of sisterhood to the moment. The “passing of the crown” between the two women offered a special moment of continuity, celebrating not only Martinez’s individual milestone but also the legacy of natural hair representation. “When I found out that Jess broke my record, these are things that I asked for,” Aevin said, “I always wanted to pass it, not just have it snatched out my hand.”

In a world where natural hair has often been policed, politicized, or misunderstood, her record stands as both a personal victory and a broader celebration of natural hair.

Aevin shared, “At the end of the day it’s just about, I love myself, she loves herself, and we’re both just trying to get people to love themselves. It’s not a competition, it’s literally all love.”