A hair-raising record

Avaneesa Iyer may have just reached double digits in age, but the Eden Prairie resident — who goes by Ava — already has two world records to her name.

Last summer, Ava became the Kids World Record holder for both the longest hair among girls 7-9 years old and the longest tree pose among any gender 7-9 years old.

Kids World Records (KWR) is a website that tracks accomplishments among children between the ages of 4 and 16. KWR provides a platform for kids to explore their interests with enthusiasm and creativity while working towards a concrete goal.

“We believe every kid has the power to be record-breaking,” the website states.

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The site includes records from the highest Lego tower to the smallest paper airplane to the fastest time to solve a Rubik’s cube. Those making a record attempt upload video and photo evidence that measure their results with the current record holders being featured on the site.

The Iyers found out about Kids World Records when Ava — who currently attends EP Online — asked her mom Priya Iyer what the record was for hair length.

“Everywhere she goes, she gets attention because of her hair,” Priya said, of Ava, whose long dark hair falls in gentle waves, stretching down past her knees.

“Her last haircut was when she was 4 years old.”

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To answer Ava’s question, Priya searched the Internet. She found that Guinness World Records only documents hair length for those 16 and older (The world’s longest documented hair for a female belongs to Xie Qiuping of China at 18 feet 5.54 inches). That’s when she stumbled across Kids World Records.

They looked up the existing record for the longest hair in Ava’s age group and then measured her hair. It was longer. At the time of her submission, Ava’s hair measured 45.5 inches long. Priya estimated that it has probably grown another half inch since that time.

“I just like long hair,” said Ava.

Then, while glancing through other categories on the website, Ava saw a record for the longest tree pose. “The previous record was something like 1 minute,” said Priya.

Ava knew she could beat that. Her submission video shows her holding the yoga pose that involves placing one foot on the inside of the opposite leg for more than 11 minutes. “I had to forcibly stop her,” said Priya. “I was running out of space.”

For her record-breaking attempts, Ava received a medal and certificate from Kids World Records. She was also featured in their 2023 book of current record holders. “I feel special,” said Ava.

Priya said the site is a reminder that everyone has a unique talent. She hopes that others are motivated to try breaking a record and have fun doing it.

Last weekend, the Iyers received word that Ava’s record for hair length had been broken. It was a moment they had been preparing for, but they remained positive about the experience. “Records are made to be broken,” said Priya.

For her part, Ava already has her sights set on her next attempt. Though she likes jump roping and reading, Ava’s going for a more tangible record next time.

“I’m going to try for holding the most crayons in one hand,” she said.