How long can hair grow?

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Maksim Plikus |

TED-Ed

• March 2026

At age 44, Xie Qiuping cut her hair for the first time in over three decades. Her impressive locks extended over 5 meters — earning the Guinness World Record for the world’s longest hair. But even with this record-setting feat, her hair might not have reached its maximum possible length. So, just how long can human hair actually grow? Maksim Plikus digs into what factors influence hair growth. [Directed by Matt Partridge, narrated by Jack Cutmore-Scott, music by Thomas Bell].