Woman lifts an incredible amount of weight whilst suspended by her hair

Dr. Stephanie Marie Little Thunder Morphet-Tepp is no stranger to getting herself into hairy situations - literally!

The indigenous circus performer from Fort Collins, Colorado, US, can hang from her hair while carrying weights!

On 10 November 2022, Stephanie held an incredible 125.7 kg (277.121 pounds) while suspended by her locks, earning the record title for the heaviest weight held whilst suspended by the hair.

Hair hanging is a stunning circus act that involves performers being suspended by their hair while performing acrobatic poses.

“I wanted to learn to hair hang for many years, as an Indigenous circus performer who has had long hair her entire life,” said Stephanie. 

“Hair hanging immediately felt right when I finally found a knowledgeable person to teach me.”

Stephanie began practising by lifting her dogs and then her partner, before going on to lift Rosario Dawson on the Go-Big Show on TBS!

“From there I wondered how much weight I could lift, as it seemed like I was holding much more weight than other hair artists,” said Stephanie. 

“It’s become a spiritual thing for me, hair hanging, as a way to represent the strength of Indigenous people through hair!”

Stephanie first realized she had a special talent when she found out that most people will train for a year before they can suspend their own body weight. 

But Stephanie was able to naturally grasp the skill and suspended herself immediately. 

She would often hear other hair hangers talk about the pain and scalp discomfort associated with the trick and realized she had a special ability when it came to the art of the hair hang. 

In the past, Stephanie has held several grown men, and even three teenagers at once while suspended from her hair.

“I knew I could hold the weight because I’ve been training hair hang for five years and have slowly added weight, finding ways to use my back muscles to support the weight — not just my neck,” said Stephanie. 

Stephanie says multiple features are required to be able to successfully suspend yourself using your hair. 

Hair strength and health, scalp health, neck strength, and the ability to correctly engage your muscles in the air to protect your neck and spine are all very important. 

“As for keeping my hair healthy, I am Indigenous (Shawnee). I tell people I won the genetic lottery for hair hang,” said Stephanie. 

“I believe my people have the strongest hair in the world. To Indigenous people, our hair contains our memories and wisdom. It is the literal embodiment of our spirits. We have strong spirits and strong hair.”

Stephanie says other hair hangers require more hair maintenance than she does, and that she only treats her hair according to her cultural norms. 

Stephanie does not use hair treatment or dyes and brushes her locks with patience and intention. 

Currently, Stephanie performs with circuses all over the US and North America. 

She will soon be headed to tour with the Loomis Brothers Circus across the southern US.

When performing her circus act, Stephanie is lifted up by people pulling on a pulley line.

Once she is let down after the performance, she finds a private space to untie her hair and says that how she ties her hair to the steel ring is top secret!

Stephanie enjoys seeing the reactions of those who watch her perform her marvellous feat. 

“Some people respond viscerally as if they are in pain, but usually it is just amazement or disbelief,” said Stephanie. 

“People think there is a trick or gimmick. Nope! Just strong hair (and a strong neck).”

Stephanie is proud of her record-breaking achievement and hopes to eventually hold even more weight whilst suspended by her hair or attempt the fastest spin while hanging from her hair.

“It was really awesome to have that title and recognition for something special that I do,” said Stephanie. 

“People were really excited for me and proud to tell others that they know a Guinness World Records title holder!”

For those interested in the art of hair hanging, Stephanie says it’s important to train responsibly and treat your body well. 

She encourages those interested to find a knowledgeable coach and make sure the things you do honour yourself and your people. 

“Getting this world record was so meaningful to me and I hope when people talk to me about it or hear about it, one thing they hear is the strength and determination of Indigenous people,” said Stephanie. 

“Only a couple of generations ago, my relatives had their hair forcibly cut in America’s Indian boarding schools, where children were stripped of their cultural identity and native languages.  

“To now be able to grow my hair long for my ancestors and do incredible feats of strength and agility with my hair is nothing short of cosmic for me. I am so proud to represent the strength and beauty of my people! Hoka!” 

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