The woman, in her 30s, who refused to cut her hair since she was five years old, resembles a real-life Rapunzel

Achieving the dream of having long, luxurious locks hinges on two crucial factors. Firstly, cultivating the patience to allow your hair to grow naturally and investing substantial effort into its care is essential. Secondly, genetics plays a pivotal role, implying that, despite the use of various products, thin and prone-to-breakage hair may not transform into a thick and healthy-looking mane. For those lacking in patience or the favour of good genes, admiration becomes the only option when witnessing those who possess both.

Alena Kravchenko, a 34-year-old woman from Odesa, Ukraine, stands out as one of these fortunate individuals, earning the moniker of real-life Rapunzel due to her viral 6-foot (1.8 meters) long hair.

Alena embarked on her hair-growing journey at the age of 5, under the encouragement of her mother. “From an early age, my mother instilled a love for long hair,” she shared with Bored Panda. Refusing to trim her locks for nearly three decades, even as they surpassed her 5′6″ (1.68 meters) height, she remains resolute in her decision. “For the first time in my life, I was so devoted to my braid that I forgot about getting a haircut. She stressed, “I can’t see and imagine myself with short hair or coloured a different color.”

Despite the challenges of maintaining such lengthy and beautiful locks, Alena finds joy in the process because, for her, it is an integral part of her identity—her beauty and wealth. According to her, the care routine involves allowing her hair to air-dry naturally and employing nourishing products. She abstains from using a hair dryer, curling irons, or combing wet hair, emphasizing a weekly hair wash, natural masks, various oils, and professional cosmetics. Her diet includes dried fruits, nuts, and homemade cottage cheese.

Alena’s ultimate advice for those aspiring to possess hair as beautiful as hers is simple—love it. She believes that a genuine desire and passion for one’s hair are essential elements in achieving long and beautiful locks.