Tennessee Woman Sets Guinness Record For World’s Longest Female Mullet

A woman from Tennessee just surpassed the record for the world's longest mullet, measuring an impressive 172cm (5.6 feet), just a hair short of an adult male's typical height.

Credit: Guinness World Records

In the 1980s, Tami Manis of Knoxville, Tennessee, started growing her hair out after being moved by a young woman with a "rat-tail" in the music video for the song "Voices Carry" by the American band Lil Tuesday.

"I went to get my hair cut at a barber shop and the guy really said that's not my hairstyle and not good on me, but I was like 'Well, this is what I want,'" she told Guinness World Records.

Since 9 February 1990, she hasn't touched her hair at all.

“The weirdest thing I find is that people remember me from years ago,” Manis said.

Credit: Guinness World Records

Her long, flowing mane generally takes onlookers off guard, according to Mr. Manis, a public health nurse, because they don't notice it until she turns around.

Manis further disclosed that because her mullet's back is longer than hers, she normally braids it.

The native of Tennessee claims that she doesn't just credit her long hair to having good genes.

"I also do a conditioner which has Argan oil in it," she said.

Credit: Guinness World Records

Manis will be listed in the 2024 edition of the Guinness World Records.

She previously won a prize at the 2022 US Mullet Championships, an annual contest for those with mullets that are mostly party and very little business. More than 1,000 people applied.

The competition's top award of $500 went to Alexa Lindsey of Holland, Michigan, who has since passed away. Manis took home the competition's $300 second-place prize.

Manis believed she would be a lock for the longest mullet record when the Guinness World Records opened for entries after the competition.

Credit: Guinness World Records

Indeed, she was correct.

“When I opened it, I thought, ‘This is amazing,’” she said.

Miley Cyrus, Joe Keery, and Paul Mescal have all helped mullets become more popular recently, but Manis doesn't bother to follow the trends.

Instead, her mullet keeps paying homage to the 1980s.

"I've had people recognize me from 20 years ago because I've kept the same hairstyle," she said.

Her decision to boldly embrace a hairstyle from the 1980s has not only earned her a coveted place in the Guinness World Records but has also made her a memorable figure in the hearts of many. As she continues to pay homage to a bygone era with her distinctive mullet, Manis stands as an inspiring example that sometimes, going against the grain and staying true to one's unique identity can lead to astonishing accomplishments and leave an indelible mark on the world.