Takhini Hot Springs Hair Freezing Contest 2024-2025 in Yukon

The annual Takhini Hot Springs Hair Freezing Contest, held in Whitehorse, Yukon, from late December to early March, is a quirky event where participants immerse themselves in the hot springs and sculpt their wet hair in frigid temperatures. ʼ

Rules

During the Hair Freezing Contest, participants brave the cold winter by immersing themselves in hot springs, allowing the freezing air to transform their wet hair, eyebrows, and eyelashes into stunning ice sculptures. To protect their ears from the cold, contestants are advised to submerge them in the warm water periodically. Once their hair turns completely white and icicles start forming, they ring a bell at the pool entrance, signaling staff to capture photos of their unique icy hairstyles. Successful participation hinges on the weather, as temperatures must drop below -4 °F (-20 °C) for optimal freezing conditions, while the hot springs remain a cozy 104 °F (40 °C).

Categories

The Hair Freezing Contest offers six categories for participants: Best Male, Best Female, Best Group, Nongshim’s People’s Choice, Tim Horton’s Most Creative, and Best Frozen Facial Hair. Winners in each category receive a prize of $2,000 along with an “unlimited” pass for the hot springs and additional passes for future visits to Eclipse Nordic Hot Springs. The voting runs later into March.

History of the Contest

The International Hair Freezing Contest began in 2011 when the resort's manager proposed a competition after observing guests' hair freezing naturally in the cold. Initially a small event with minimal prize money and just a few dozen participants, it quickly gained popularity and global recognition, especially after a viral photo in 2015. Over the years, the contest has expanded to include more categories and increased prize money, attracting participants from around the world.