Singer Chris Walton is better known by her stage name "The Dutchess" in US states Nevada and California. But her voice is far from the first thing you would notice if you bumped into her in the street.

The 45-year-old woman has the world's longest fingernails. She stopped cutting them 18 years ago, and now her nails have now reached an incredible 20 feet.

The bizarre nails curl in all directions — yet the mother of five cooks and cleans, and can even play the piano and use a computer.

Her amazing dedication to her nails has been officially recognised by the 2012 edition of the Guinness Record Book. She painted them a dazzling gold to celebrate.

"It's just like growing a long beard, or long hair", said Chris.

"I think they got this long because I don't pay attention to them. I sometimes even forget they're there."

Chris strengthened her nails using acrylic on the outside and inside of the nails.

This also helps to balance the weight on each hand.

Chris claims to have only lost a nail once, when fixing her car engine on the freeway, and otherwise has no trouble leading a normal life.