At 40, Teresa Wambugu is aiming to break the Gunnies world record for the longest dreadlocks.

Her goal is to beat American Asha Mandela's record of 5.96 metres, set in 2009.

"My longest dreadlock is about 3 metres long. I started the journey in 2005, inspired by my love of Bob Marley and reggae music. At the time, I only did it for the beauty," she reveals.

In 2010, however, she began to attract the attention of hairdressers. From time to time they would ask her to cut off a few centimetres of her hair and sell it to them.

"This was not just limited to the hairdressers, but also clients who came in to get their hair done. They would always ask if I could sell them my hair, which I would quickly refuse," she says as she lifts her hair, noting that it makes her feel beautiful.

Since then, she has been on a quest to take care of her hair, and her ambition is to one day break the world record for the longest dreadlocks.

So how does she manage all that hair?

"Whenever my son is at home, he helps me turn my curls while I sleep because they are very heavy. Also, when I do the laundry, he is always around to help me put the hair in a bucket so I can do the laundry. Not forgetting my husband, Teresa says he has been her support system throughout her dreadlock journey," she said.

"At the delivery room, the doctors did not know what to do with my hair and my husband always came to the rescue. The hospital trolley was always his best option to have my hair during my caesarean. He also helps me with my hair when I have to take a bath," she said.

But the journey was not without its challenges. Because of her hair, she knew she would have to look for self-employment as it would be difficult for her to get an office job.

"I'm a tailor by trade, so I can always be in my element. If my hair isn't in a turban, it's in a big hat to keep it in," she said.

Although it may take years, Teresa is determined to one day hold the world record for the longest dreadlocks.

My 19-year journey growing my dreadlocks and how they once got me into trouble in the delivery room

Author Spotlight

Purity Kinuthia