‘I’ve spent 40 years and £10k growing 22-inch nails – they’re like my babies’
Many of us enjoy going for a manicure – but one woman is taking her fingernail enthusiasm to the extremes.
LaRue Drummond, also known as Queen, has spent the last 40 years growing out her 22-inch natural nails.
And her obsession hasn’t been cheap – as she’s spent more than £10,000 maintaining on her “babies”.
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Her love for having incredibly long talons all started when she bumped into a woman as a child with lengthy talons.
As a youngster, LaRue asked the fellow nail enthusiast for advice on their impressive form.
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(Image: @LaRue’sNailsCover Images)
After suffering with chronic nail-biting as in her early years, LaRue was eager to change her ways to become just like the woman she met in the shop.
“When I was young, I would bite my cuticles until they bled. But with determination and the support of my family, I was able to kick the habit”, the New York native explained.
LaRue now follows a vigorous pampering routine, which includes regular manicures.
She’s managed to keep her 22-inch “babies” in healthy shape for four decades – and has nicknamed her longest nail “Miss Attitude.”
But who is the lucky technician who gets to handle LaRue’s prized possessions?
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(Image: @LaRue’sNailsCover Images)
Well, LaRue puts her trust in “the Queen Diva of the nail game” – Maria Ortiz – who she also described as “a very important part of (her) nail-growing journey”.
She continued: “She takes the designs and colours to another level.
“She books me for a whole day and ensures I’m her only client as it takes about eight hours.”
However, LaRue’s alternative appearance is not well received by everyone.
She is all too familiar with judgmental looks from strangers but that will not stop the talon lover in her tracks.
“It’s who I am, and I’m not ashamed. If I broke a nail that couldn’t be fixed, I’d feel bereaved,” LaRue declared.
![](https://london24news.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/LOGO2.png)
(Image: @LaRue’sNailsCover Images)
Despite having 22-inch nails, she still is able to work as a child minder and can do everyday tasks like tying her shoe laces and using her phone.
LaRue hopes to continue to grow out her “babies” but will have a long way to go if she wants a Guinness World Record.
Apparently, a woman from Minnesota held the record for the longest nails measuring in at a whopping 336in (28 feet).
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