At just 14 years old, Amir Menendez of California, USA, has made hair history. His extraordinary afro — measuring an astounding 19.67 cm (7.74 in) high, 24.83 cm (9.77 in) wide, and with a magnificent circumference of 226 cm (88 in) — has been officially certified by the World Records Authority as the Largest Afro (Male) in the world.

Amir began growing his iconic hairstyle four and a half years ago. Far from effortless, his record-breaking afro is the result of a meticulous haircare routine: he nourishes his hair by keeping it in protective twists, oils and moisturises his scalp regularly, and maintains the lengths with dry shampoo and leave-in conditioners between washes. Every centimetre of that 226 cm circumference represents years of patience, care, and commitment.

Life with the world’s largest afro comes with its unique challenges. “I feel like my hair is always distracting or blocking in class so I have to twist it up,” Amir admits. People constantly ask to touch it or strike up conversations about it — but despite the occasional unkind comment, Amir has been overwhelmingly met with positivity and admiration.

Beyond his record-breaking hair, Amir is a well-rounded teenager: he plays football for his school team, loves collecting shoes and trading cards, and his favourite subject is science. He dreams of becoming a virologist and studying viruses when he grows up. Ecstatic about his achievement — “it’s a dream come true,” he says — Amir is proud to use his platform to encourage others to embrace their natural uniqueness.

“I think that people should be proud of their natural hair and stop being ashamed of it. I see too many people with textured hair always straightening it out or putting wigs over their already healthy and good-looking hair,” he says. To those with unique physical attributes, Amir’s message is clear: “Be proud of it — God gave you a unique trait, so show it off.”