Proud owner of world’s longest toenails, Louise Hollis, dies aged 86

Guinness World Records is saddened to learn of the passing of longest toenails record holder Louise Hollis from Compton, California, USA.

She was 86.

Louise began growing her toenails in 1981. She was inspired to grow her toenails after seeing a TV programme featuring the longest fingernails and in fact, she also grew her fingernails to impressive lengths though not enough to claim the record.

When measured for the record in 1991, the combined length of all 10 toenails was 220.98 cm (87 in). An entry in Guinness World Records 2004 noted that each toenail was, on average, as long as the width of a page in the book itself. This was the longest ever length recorded for her toenails.

“They got so long, I couldn’t walk anymore unless I held up my heel,” she told the Fox television network show Guinness World Records Primetime in 1999. “It kept me slim though – I should have left them on.”

Louise recalled: "Each summer I would always let 'em grow long because I like to wear sun shoes. The next summer, they was just too pretty and I just hated to cut 'em. And so... I didn't!"

She also featured in our 2007 book, which stated: "She rarely wears shoes, but when she does, they must be open-toed and have at least 7.62 cm (3 in) thick soles to prevent her nails from dragging on the ground."

Indeed, this was the case when Louise made an appearance on The Ellen DeGeneres Show in the early noughties at the age of 68 and showed off her magnificent toenails on US national television.

When asked by Ellen “Now if you had to run for any reason at all…” Louise interjected, “I just walk softly and carry a big stick.”

And when asked by the host if she had a boyfriend, she joked: “Yes… I won’t say his name. I want each one to think he’s the only one!”

But did she get cold in the winter since she was only able to wear open sandals due to the length of her nails? “I either just stay in or take a blanket and wrap it over me,” she explained.

Louise was then presented with a gift of custom-made warm boots with the toes cut out.

After having 12 children, Louise was single in later life and had no regrets. “That's the thing about the husband, he was so upset at the attention they attracted, he told me, 'nails go or I go'. I said 'I've had you for 22 years, you can split. The nails are new’."

Did she plan to cut them after achieving the record? "I think after I get into the Guinness book, I'll cut them down to size. But they're never going to be short, anyway. No way!"

Louise’s daughter Dana contacted Guinness World Records to inform us of her passing this week. “Thank you so much for making her famous! God Bless.”

Dana also informed Louise’s fans via her official Facebook page, stating: “Thank you for all the love and support you have shown her over the years. Please pray for our family as we go through this very difficult time. God Bless You All.”