A Nigerian barber has shaved four minutes off the world record for the fastest time to complete five skin fade haircuts.

26-year-old Owoyemi Qudus Adebayo from Lagos achieved a time of 14 min 56 sec, smashing the previous record of 18 min 57 sec set by South Africa’s Enrico Springfield in 2022.

To achieve this record, each finished hairstyle must be cut to the skin (i.e. grade 0) at the neck and back of the head, and tapered at least three grades towards the top of the head.

A minimum of three different clipper guards must used to achieve the fade; it is not permitted to use a clipper with a lever that adjusts the trim length.

Furthermore, all five participants having haircuts must begin with a full head of hair, measuring a minimum of 1 cm (0.39 in) all around.

One of the keys to successfully achieving this record, according to Official Adjudicator Sofia Greenacre, who oversaw the previous record holder’s attempt, is to not accidentally take too much hair off the top – enough must be left to create the required fade.

Owoyemi’s record attempt took place at the University of Ilorin, where he is currently studying for his undergraduate degree in statistics.

He managed to complete each skin fade in an average of three minutes, ensuring each one adhered to the guidelines.

Explaining why he attempted this challenge, Owoyemi said: “I decided to break this record because I sincerely want global recognition for my hard work and labour over the years.”

The university’s vice chancellor, Professor Wahab Egbewole, expressed his pride and admiration for Owoyemi’s achievement, noting that it “reinforced the university’s ethos of excellence and creativity”.

Owoyemi is not the only Nigerian to break a hair-related record this year – Helen Williams claimed her third Guinness World Records title by making the world’s widest wig. It measured 3.65 m (11 ft 11 in), making it slightly wider than the length of a Mini Cooper car.