Photos: Vietnamese man with 5-metres long hair goes 80 years without a trim

92-years-old Nguyen Van Chien believes lifelong grow-out is a divine calling

Published: August 26, 2020 13:37 Reuters and compiled by Balaram Menon, Senior Web Editor

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While coronavirus lockdowns caused many men across the world to grow their hair longer than usual, none compare with Vietnam's Nguyen Van Chien who has gone almost 80 years without a trim. | Above: Chien sits for a portrait to show his 5-meter long hair at his home in Tien Giang province. Image Credit: REUTERS

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The 92-year-old from the southern Mekong Delta region is the proud owner of five-metre long dreadlocks, owing to his belief in a faith that prescribes leaving untouched what a person is born with. Image Credit: REUTERS

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"I believe if I cut my hair I will die. I dare not to change anything, not even combing it," Chien told Reuters in his village about 80km west of Ho Chi Minh City. Image Credit: REUTERS

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"I only nurture it, cover it in a scarf to keep it dry and clean and looking nice," says Chien. Image Credit: REUTERS

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Chien, who worships nine powers and seven gods, believes it was his calling to grow his hair, which he bundles up under an orange turban. Image Credit: REUTERS

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He was required to trim it when at school, but left after third grade and decided never to cut, comb or wash it again. Image Credit: REUTERS

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"I remembered my hair was black, thick and strong. I combed it, untangled it to make it smooth. But when I heard the calling from the divine power, I knew immediately that I was chosen," he said. Image Credit: REUTERS

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"I touched my hair and overnight it has became really hard. It has attached to my head and became a thing of its own." Chien follows a near-obsolete faith known as "Dua", the coconut religion, named after its founder who claimed he survived only on coconuts to retain his vitality. Dua is banned in Vietnam and categorised as a false belief. Image Credit: REUTERS

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Chien's fifth son, Nguyen Van Luom (left), helps him to manage his giant locks. He too believes in the connection between hair and mortality, having seen a man pass away after trying to re-attach his hair with string. Image Credit: REUTERS

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"These things look simple but they are sacred," said 62-year-old Luom. Image Credit: REUTERS

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Nguyen Van Chien sits to cook at his home in Tien Giang province, Vietnam. Image Credit: REUTERS

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Chien prays in his home in Tien Giang province. Image Credit: REUTERS

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