Leo Gillick
A man has broken the world record for the longest beard on a living person, and he lives in Alabama.
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In Birmingham, Alabama, Rudolf Martino carefully maintains a monumental beard measuring a total of 3 feet and 6 inches. The record-breaking beard takes a lot of time and attention to maintain. It’s also taken him over 10 years to grow as long as it is.
- “It takes two to three days to dry. It takes about 30 minutes to an hour to wash it thoroughly,” Martino explained when asked about his routine. “Every day I kind of just put moisturizer in it, but when it’s time to shampoo it, I have certain shampoos and conditioners that I use.”
Not only was the growing of his huge beard a world record attempt, but he also considers it a spiritual journey. The beard has been made into locks, and for Martino, it’s a statement. He doesn’t want people to see it as just a beard; it’s politics.
Spiritual Beard
Locks are a hairstyle connected with African hair. Martino decided to lock his beard hair in order to challenge certain stereotypes.
- “Being an African-American, there are stereotypes about locked hair. For me personally, I was able to bring my own distinctive look and beliefs into the world and be accepted. It means a lot to me that I don’t have to change who I am to be accepted.”
His hair is his political standpoint. And now, with his world record beard, he will get more recognition. The Guinness officials formally recognised it on August 4th and entered him into their books. Now, at least until someone else overtakes, he will be the man with the longest beard.
Locks take a lot of maintenance with cleaning, trimming, and keeping them smart. He has not chosen the easiest option when it comes to a beard. But it’s his choice to make the statement. Also, having it in locks will certainly make it more manageable.
A ten-year-long beard just flapping about would be a nightmare. I think I would opt for plaited, or at least kept in hair ties. I couldn’t imagine eating with it.
