Wichita Hairstylist Patrick Lomantini Aims to Set Haircutting World Record

(Aug. 31) -- When it comes to hairstyling, Patrick Lomantini stands 227 cuts above the rest. That's because the 42-year-old stylist recently gave that many haircuts during a 72-hour period in a bid to set a Guinness World Record in endurance haircutting.

The attempt, staged at Lomantini's salon in Wichita, Kan., took place from Aug. 19 to 22. To ensure a steady supply of customers, Lomantini offered haircuts free of charge, with all tips and donations going to the Kansas Humane Society.

During the three-day affair, Lomantini relied on a 12-person support team to clean the work area, do laundry and keep the stylist fed and hydrated around the clock. He also kept two massage therapists on site, allowing him to get a 12-minute rubdown every three hours.

Wichita hair stylist Patrick Lomantini works with a good buzz during the 68-hour mark of his haircutting world record.

Courtesy Mark Chamberlin

Patrick Lomantini works with a good buzz during the 68-hour mark of his haircutting marathon.

While most of the 227 cuts were routine, two proved particularly challenging. One -- done many hours into the event -- was for a woman with thick, waist-length hair. She wanted a bob.

"My focusing power was diminishing," Lomantini recalled, "and she was pregnant and emotional."

The second cut was for a woman who requested an intricate, layered cut called a "high-stacked bob" -- in his 60th hour.

"I should have made clear that the offer was for a trim, or basic cut," he stated, "not for that sort of complex styling."

Lomantini says that the event drew more customers than he imagined and that the salon had a two-hour, on-call wait list for the duration of the marathon, including the early-morning hours.

"It was as busy at 4 o'clock in the morning as it was at 9," Lomantini said.

One morning, when a few customers didn't show for their 4 a.m. appointments, his staff called a handful of alternates who jumped out of bed and sped to the salon for their free haircut.

Courtesy Mark Chamberlin

Lomantini takes a turn in the stylist's chair to get his back worked on during his 72-hour haircutting marathon.

Though Lomantini took a seat during short breaks every three hours, he remained on his feet the rest of the time. He also maintains that he stayed awake for the entire 72 hours.

"I knew that if I dozed off, I would never come back," he said.

Guinness World Records has never before recognized a record in endurance haircutting. Lomantini's claim has been received and is under review, a Guinness spokesperson said. The review process typically takes four to six weeks.

Lomantini says the event, which netted $1,625 for the Kansas Humane Society, was so successful that he's considering a second marathon next year to see whether he can break his own record.