The Operational Mechanism of Hanging Hair
In the captivating realm of the circus, one act stands out for its unique blend of grace, strength, and sheer skill - the hair hanging act. This high-wire spectacle, where performers' long locks are braided around a steel loop and lifted using a cable, has been a mesmerising attraction for audiences for over a century.
The art of hair hanging is a closely guarded secret, passed down from generation to generation within a select few families. Each circus family has its own unique braiding technique, a skill that requires years of experience and careful study to master. The Ayala family, one of only a dozen such families worldwide, is renowned for their expertise in this art form.
The pain of hair hanging is a reality that performers must face. The worst of it is felt when the performer is first lifted in the air, as the scalp stretches with the weight of supporting more than 100 pounds (45 kilograms). However, the performers' dedication to their craft is unwavering. They endure this discomfort, knowing that their hair, nourished with essential nutrients like protein, vitamin D, zinc, and vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid), will provide the strength they need.
Anastasia IV, a hair hanger with the Circus of Horrors, is a testament to this resilience. She spent years figuring out the braid for hair hanging through painful trial and error. Initially, the pain was so intense that it drove her to tears. Yet, she persevered, and today, she performs graceful pirouettes, athletic contortions, and even juggles fire during her acts.
Joanna Sawicka, another hair hanger, holds a Guinness World Record for lifting the most weight with her hair. Her dedication to her craft is evident in her meticulous hair care regimen. While touring, she applies conditioner five times a day, avoids hair coloring and blow-drying, and takes hair vitamins as a supplement.
Christopher Williams, another performer, treats his elbow-long locks with a homemade slurry of avocados, eggs, mayonnaise, and vinegar to ensure enough strength for showtime.
The act that enthralled Francisca Vazquez in 1916 was a hair hanging act performed by a duo of long-haired Chinese men. Whether she taught herself how to braid and tie her hair or was tutored in the secret practice by a "nice Chinese lady" remains unknown.
Unfortunately, accidents can occur in this high-risk act. In May 2014, eight hair hangers with the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus were seriously injured when a metal clasp suspending them in the air snapped.
Despite the risks, the allure of hair hanging continues to draw performers and audiences alike. Assistants in the wings use pulleys and guide cables to control the spinning motion of the performer, ensuring a seamless and breathtaking performance.
As the curtain falls, the performers take a bow, their hair cascading down, a testament to their strength, skill, and dedication. The art of hair hanging, a blend of tradition and modernity, continues to captivate audiences, leaving them in awe of the human spirit and the incredible feats it can achieve.
The Ayala family's mastery of the art of hair hanging in the circus extends beyond the high-wire spectacle, as they also excel in the intricate braiding techniques that are essential for the act.
In the realm of entertainment outside the circus, some individuals, like Francisca Vazquez in 1916, have been captivated by the unique blend of lifestyle, sports, and entertainment that hair hanging presents, leading them to either self-teach or seek guidance in the secret practice.
