Defying societal norms and health issues Erin Honeycutt from Michigan in the US has clinched the Guinness World Record for the longest beard on a living female. Honeycutt, who is 38-year-old has been growing her beard for around two years, which now measures 11.81 inch. The excessive growth on her face is the result of polycystic ovarian syndrome, a condition that causes hormonal imbalance, according to Guinness World Records. Honeycutt does not take any hormones or supplements to enhance the growth.
With a growth measuring 11.81 inches, Honeycutt broke 75-year-old Vivian Wheeler's record of 25.5 cm (10.04 in) to clinch the title.
The problem of excessive hair growth began when Honeycutt was just 13. The condition made her self-conscious and in order to avoid the embarrassment, she began shaving, waxing, and using hair-removal products.
Honeycutt continued doing this throughout her teen years and into her adult life, however, after partially losing her vision, she became "tired of shaving", so her wife, Jen, encouraged her to grow out her beard, reported the records keeping company.
It was during the nationwide lockdown put in place due to the COVID-19 pandemic and Jen's support that she decided grow out her beard.
"It really gave me a chance to build my confidence in growing a beard," she said. "Wearing masks really helped with building my confidence in going out in public," Honeycutt told to GWR.
Honeycutt's mother Jill Roach too is extremely supportive about her daughters decision.
"I didn’t realize how much she was having to shave as a younger person and this is a lot that she has to go through, and it’s mainly just for appearance. I got used to it, and I can see she’s very happy about it, and that’s the main thing," said Roach to GWR.