A Vietnamese artist, Lưu Công Huyền, has earned global recognition for growing the longest fingernails on a pair of male hands after leaving them uncut for 34 years.
In a statement released on its official website, Guinness World Records confirmed that Huyền’s nails stretch to a combined length of 594.45 cm (19 ft 6 in), a measurement that surpasses the height of an average giraffe. The record was verified earlier this year by the organisation’s Editor-in-Chief, Craig Glenday, who travelled to Nam Định province in Vietnam to carry out the assessment.
According to the release, the record-setting nails hang from each hand in twisted forms and are stained with bright colours from the paint he uses in creating murals. GWR quoted Huyền as saying: “These fingernails originally started because my father was a shaman. I wanted to become a teacher, so I grew them to look more majestic. But later, my father told me to forget about pursuing this profession, saying it’s too troublesome and not worth it. So, I just kept growing them from then on.”
The statement further highlighted his deep attachment to the nails, with Huyền remarking: “In short, if I were to trim them off I’d feel really uncomfortable and exhausted, both mentally and physically. Just thinking about trimming my fingernails makes me feel tired, and sick.”
Guinness World Records explained that the measurement process involved running string around each twist and curve before comparing the result against a tape measure. The combined total was based on two sets of calculations, with the left-hand nails measured at 388.85 cm and the right-hand nails at 205.6 cm. His longest nail, found on the left thumb, came to 127.5 cm (4 ft 2 in).
On maintaining them, GWR quoted him as saying: “If it rains, I have to keep them dry. If they get wet, they will soften and fall right off. In a crowded place, if someone bumps into them, they’ll be broken for sure, so I have to protect them.” He added that he also takes precautions while sleeping and changing clothes.
Despite the challenges, the Vietnamese painter continues to display his artistry. GWR noted that crowds often gather to watch him work, astonished by his ability to handle a brush with such nails. “They never react negatively,” he said. “They just say, ‘How can you paint so well with such long fingernails?’”
The organisation revealed that his wife, Thi Thuan, plays a key role in helping him manage daily tasks. Huyền acknowledged her support, stating: “Without someone as supportive as my wife helping me, I could never maintain them this well. She helps me with everything.”
Glenday, who carried out the measurement, described the visit as memorable. “It was just a real honour to be there and to meet them and to measure his nails. They’re very impressive, apart from one which had snapped off,” he said.
GWR added that Huyền’s achievement marks the first time the category has been filled since American Melvin Boothe, a previous record holder, passed away. The longest fingernails ever recorded on a pair of male hands still belong to Boothe, while the female category is held by Diana Armstrong of the United States with a combined length of 1,306.58 cm (42 ft 10.4 in).