Ruth Tripp has set a new world record for the longest hair donation (Image: SWNS)
A mum whose hair was so long it touched the floor has set a new world record for hair donation after chopping off 67inches (172cm) of it.
Charitable mum-of-four Richard Tripp, 38, gave her lengthy locks to The Little Princess Trust, which provides wigs to children who have lost their hair.
Following her heartwarming donation, Ruth, of South Molton, Devon, has now been officially recognised as the Guinness World Record holder for the largest single hair donation by a woman.
Expressing her sense of achievement, Ruth shared: “My hair got to the floor and I knew I needed it to come off as it was just going to get damaged.”
She added: “I knew it would be harder to look after so I thought it would be better to give it away now, so somebody could actually use it and make the most of it.”
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Ruth Tripp began growing her hair six years ago (Image: SWNS)
Reflecting on her generosity, she remarked, “I didn’t think it was that much hair because I’m so used to having long day, I didn’t think it could be a record. I had no idea.”
Shunning the typical bob haircut favoured by many Little Princess Trust donors, Ruth braved a dramatic chop to maximise the impact of her contribution.
Having always cherished her lengthier tresses, Ruth began growing her hair six years prior when it was already cascading down to the bottom of her back.
Recounting her motivation, she explained: “My son was in the neonatal unit when he was born and the charity there who would always go ‘look at your hair.'” Inspired by the possibility of aiding others, she envisioned, “I thought I could cut it off to raise some money.”
But Ruth’s vision extended beyond a simple trim. She concluded: “But rather than just cutting my hair off, I thought it would be best to donate my hair as well and I found The Little Princess Trust.”
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Ruth Tripp, 38, donated her locks to The Little Princess Trust (Image: SWNS)
Ruth’s commitment to those in need has seen her take the remarkable step of cutting off all her hair, previously washing it with normal shampoo and taking “a few hours” for it to air dry.
She recalls young children admiring her long tresses, saying: “If I took my hair down while I was out, then children would say ‘mummy look at that princess hair’ and they would ask to have hair like that. ” which only spurred her on to donate to those less fortunate.
Ruth said: “People would say ‘it’s not all yours, is it?’ but it is.
“If I took my hair down while I was out, then children would say ‘mummy look at that princess hair’ and they would ask to have hair like that. ” “That’s what children want, they want hair like that – so I knew I should give it to someone else.”
During a family fun day, Ruth had her luscious locks chopped for charity, raising funds for The Little Princess Trust and Supporting Neonatal Users and Graduates (SNUG).
Ruth Tripp said: ‘My hair got to the floor and I knew I needed it to come off’ (Image: SWNS)
After delivering her incredible 67-inch hair donation to The Little Princess Trust in Hereford, she gained an insight into how the charity creates wigs for children suffering from hair loss.
Wendy Tarplee-Morris, founder of the Trust, expressed her disbelief at such a lengthy contribution: “We always encourage our supporters to grow their hair as long as possible to help us make wigs for children with hair loss.”
“But I never thought I’d see the day when someone would donate ponytails measuring 67 inches.”
“We are so grateful to Ruth for her extraordinary efforts for The Little Princess Trust and the young people who receive our wigs.”
The former world record for the longest hair donation stood at 61 inches (155cm). The Little Princess Trust’s previous record was established in 2023, when an anonymous benefactor donated 52 inches of hair.
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