A teenager from India has broken the world record for the hairiest face.
Lalit Patidar, 18, has a rare condition called hypertrichosis, also known as werewolf syndrome. This condition causes excessive hair growth, and it has only been recorded around 50 times since the Middle Ages, according to Guinness World Records.
To be officially recognized, Lalit traveled to Milan, Italy, where he was examined by a trichologist on the TV show Lo Show dei Record.
After tests, it was confirmed that he has 201.72 hairs per square centimeter on his face, earning him the title of the person with the hairiest face in the world.
Lalit, now a Guinness World Record holder, said he was “speechless” and felt happy to receive the recognition.
As a child, he faced challenges because of his appearance. Some of his classmates were initially scared of him.
“They were scared of me at first, but when they got to know me, they understood that I am just like them,” Lalit shared.
Despite having the option to shave his facial hair, Lalit has chosen not to.
“I like how I am, and I don’t want to change my look,” he explained when asked about shaving.
With his unique appearance, Lalit has gained a large following online.
He has 265,000 followers on Instagram and 108,000 subscribers on YouTube, where he shares videos about his daily life.
Over 95% of his face is covered in hair, making his condition extremely rare.
In other Guinness World Record news, Tomiko Itooka, the former oldest person in the world, passed away in December at 116 years old.
Tomiko had been recognized as the oldest living person in August 2024 and credited her long life to her morning routine of eating a banana and drinking a yogurt-based beverage called Calpis.
Her family believed that her active lifestyle also played a role in her longevity.
Even at 100 years old, Tomiko could climb the steps of Ashiya Shrine without needing a walking stick.