Long-haired Selly not out to break a record
MIRI: People react to her long dark tresses with a smile or startled look.
Selly Phang from Lambir, Miri has been growing her hair for nine years since the age of 23 years old and she maintains it at 1.5 metres.
“I’m used to people staring at me on seeing my long hair,” Selly confided to The Borneo Post yesterday.
“Every time I go to town, shopping malls or public places, many people will smile or look shocked to see my long hair but I’m used to their response.”
Growing it is a hobby which started nine years ago. She takes care to ensure it is healthy and without split ends, using shampoo and conditioner.
“My hair grows quickly so I have to trim it so it doesn’t touch the ground,” Selly said.
She combs her long black tresses regularly and ties it up so it does not get in the way when she is working in a mushroom factory in Lambir. Selly said her family did not criticise her but is supportive of her long hair.
Asked if she holds a record for having the longest hair in Sarawak, she smiled and said she had no ambition to break a record, but those who wish to share her interest can check her Facebook account at Selly Phang.
She has travelled to Kuala Lumpur, China and Singapore to meet and compare notes with other long-haired individuals.
In the old days, it was not unusual for the Malay and Chinese communities to get daughters to keep long hair as part of tradition.