'I am the black Rapunzel': Florida woman addicted to growing her hair has mane 21 FEET long (W/Pics)

By SIMON TOMLINSON

A woman who proudly calls herself the 'black Rapunzel' refuses to cut her 21ft-long hair even though it is damaging her health. Asha is so addicted to growing her dreadlocks she has dismissed a doctor's orders to lop them off to cure her neck and back pain.

Instead she prefers to lug around her locks, which, when wet, can weigh more than 250lbs - as much as a professional wrestler. She spends five hours a day grooming her mane and goes through 24 bottles of shampoo a month. But the 47-year-old, from Clermont, Florida regards her locks as anything but a burden.

Asha, who has been growing her hair for the last 24 years, told the U.S. show My Strange Addiction: 'I am the black Rapunzel. It's my baby, my sweetheart, my crown.' She has even named her hair Mr Corbra. Asha consulted with a doctor over her neck pain and while he recommended she immediately cut her hair, she point-blank refused.