Justice advocate and founder of Somebody’s Auntie, Jessica L. Martinez, has been crowned the Guinness World Record holder for the largest afro on a living person (female), and she’s using the title to push a simple message: natural hair deserves celebration. 

Martinez’s afro measured 11.42 inches tall, 12.2 inches wide and 6 feet, 2.87 inches in circumference, according to Guinness, a measurement she said confirms why uniqueness should be uplifted. 

“For me, breaking this record confirms that the things that make us different and unique should always be celebrated,” Martinez told People in an exclusive interview. She called the moment more than a personal win; it’s a cultural statement about hair identity and acceptance. “It amplifies what I have always known deep down, that natural hair is not a trend, it’s a lifestyle,” she added. 

Martinez described a long journey to self-acceptance. She said she spent years comparing her hair to others and trying to conform, but ultimately found peace when she stopped fighting her curls. “The moment I stopped comparing my hair to others, not holding on to individuals' comments about me, or glances when I walked by, I found peace,” she told People, calling the record “a blessing” for her younger self. 

The honor was presented by former title holder, Aevin Dugas, a passing-of-the-crown-moment Martinez called “very special.” She said, "Having this title is such a blessing to me and my younger self. I plan to continue to be an advocate in the natural hair industry and work towards ending hair discrimination worldwide.”

She hopes the record inspires others to dream bigger. “I hope that breaking this World Record will inspire someone to dream bigger, just like my afro,” she said. Martinez also offered advice to young girls struggling with natural hair, “You are enough. You are beautifully and wonderfully made, so never feel the need to hide your curls from the world.”