Lee Redmond: Woman with the longest fingernails in the world, dies aged 82

This woman became a legend in the Guinness Book of World Records 20 years ago. Lee Redmond was known the world over for her oversized nails, up to eight meters long. At the time, the American held the record for the world's longest nails. However, a press release from the world-famous record book contained sad news. The woman who had a manicure to die for lost her life at the age of 82 on December 14.

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Nails measuring over 8 metres

Lee Redmond's unusual story began in Salt Lake City, Utah, in 2003. The mother of three had revealed to the world her colossal nails, which she hadn't cut since 1979. For the American, it was above all a challenge: according to her statements to the press, she was curious to see what would happen to her nails if she stopped filing and cutting them. Unlike many others who also took up the challenge by letting them grow indefinitely, Lee Redmond's claws managed to keep a smooth trajectory and impeccable shape.

At the time, her nails were over 7 m long, earning her the world record for the length of a woman's hands. Still varnished in gold, they reached 8.65 m in 2008, according to the Guinness Book in its tribute.

The woman who has since become a great-grandmother confided that she maintained her nails every morning with warm olive oil, a toothbrush and nail hardener. Lee Redmond was keen to demonstrate that the length of her claws didn't prevent her from maintaining a normal daily life. She could drive, wash dishes, make tea, use her cell phone or cut her children's hair. She also cared for her husband, who suffered from Alzheimer's disease, according to press accounts.

@guinnessworldrecords
Guinness World Records is saddened to announce the passing of legendary record holder Lee Redmond (USA), who for many years held the record for longest fingernails ever. Lee's magnificent nails measured a total length of 7 m 51.3 cm (24 ft 7.8 in). One thing Lee used her Guinness World Records title holder status for was to give motivational speeches: "One of the greatest things that I have done with them is going around to the junior high schools and talking about self-esteem. I go to self-esteem classes and tell the kids, 'It's OK to be different, as long as you are not hurting anyone.' And because, heaven knows, they need self-esteem." "We're all unique. Every one of us. We all have some type of a talent. I am always saying, you know, 'Don't judge me just by my fingernails. There is more to me than my fingernails'."
♬ original sound - Guinness World Records

A terrible car accident that cost her her nails

Although her gigantic nails have never been a handicap for Lee Redmond, the American has already been the victim of a terrible road accident in 2009, tearing off part of her unique manicure. Thrown out of her car, she was left with several broken nails.

I heard nails rattling and I don't remember anything after the sensation of being sucked out of the vehicle. The first thing I spotted was a nail.

Although the icon of the record books was seriously injured, she was hospitalized with no after-effects, apart from the trauma of losing her immense talons, which she took a long time to accept.

Losing my nails was the most dramatic thing that ever happened to me in my life.

The editor-in-chief of Guinness World Records wanted to pay tribute to the octogenarian, who had taken part in several conferences to promote self-acceptance. Lee Redmond was keen to speak on this theme in schools with a bodypositive speech. He wrote: