ORLANDO, Fla. – Ripley’s Believe it or Not! has once again done the unthinkable.
The strange and unusual museum is looking to achieve a Guinness World Record for the world’s largest hair ball.
According to the Guinness World Records, the largest ball of hair ever created weighed 167 pounds, but the museum says they hope to beat that.
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Visitors to the IAAPA 2021 Expo at the Orange County Convention Center this week are getting a first-hand look at the big ball of hair that has been nicknamed HOSS.
“Initially created by stylist Steve Warden, Hoss eclipsed 100 pounds in 2019. Since then, over 1,000 Ripley’s fans have personally contributed to the hairball’s weight,” explained Jim Pattison Jr., President of Ripley’s Believe It or Not! “With over 20,000 attendees expected to take part in the IAAPA Expo in Orlando, we are hopeful we will surpass the World Record — all in the name of a good cause!”
Earlier this week, Ripley’s Shave the Beard and Make it Weird! campaign launched with the goal to support Give Kids the World Village in Osceola County.
The 89-acre whimsical nonprofit provides critically ill children and their families with magical weeklong wish vacations at no cost.
Exhibitors and visitors to IAAPA are being encouraged to sit down and get a lock of hair trimmed to contribute to HOSS, while also making a small donation to Give Kids the World Village.
Ripley’s said for every donation that is made, Ripley’s will match it up to $10,000 total.
Meet HOSS. He is a Guinness World Record contender for the largest ball of human hair! Close to 140 pounds! People can donate their hair at #IAAPAExpo2021 | You can also donate to help @GKTWVillage while you’re there. pic.twitter.com/oHjhCPIYJ3
— Landon McReynolds (@LandonProducer) November 16, 2021
At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, Pattison told his team he wouldn’t shave until all Ripley’s Attractions were reopened worldwide. Today, Ripley’s is proud to have successfully and safely reopened attractions in all but two countries.
Pattinson will shave his beard Friday to contribute to HOSS.
Click here to learn more about Ripley’s Shave the Beard and Make it Weird! Or to donate to Give Kids The World.
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