Every February since 2011, the Takhini Hot Springs in Whitehorse, Yukton, Canada have hosted a little something called the International Hair Freezing Contest. Fair Warning: The sight of the contestant's frozen styles will give you the chills (literally) and probably a little secondhand anxiety. The competition takes place during Yukton's Sourdough Rendezvous, an annual winter festival that celebrates the territory's heritage. So if you ever took part in a "wacky hair day" during your high school's homecoming spirit week, our guess is that you're probably dying to enter a hair-freezing contest.
A post shared by Marta Keller (@marta.k.keller)
A photo posted by on
Throughout the entire month a few brave pool guests who choose to enter the contest will first hop in the 104° F waters of the hot springs and completely submerge so every strand of their hair gets wet. Once wet, the "contestants" will then just let their heads chill (again, literally) above water in the subzero temperatures until the hair begins to freeze. That's when the fun begins. As the hair starts to harden, contestants begin to style their hair until it is completely frozen solid. The results are typically somewhere between Guy Fieri and a frosted Cindy Lou Who. Hopeful participants submit their pictures to the Takhini Hot Pools, either at the resort's front desk or via Facebook or email. The winners are announced in March and the most ridiculous of the bunch can win up to $750 and a complimentary pass for 30 soaks.
A post shared by Brett Elliot (@btelliot)
A photo posted by on
Worth it? Possibly. However, while we're all for taking risks in the name of beauty, we can't imagine that turning your locks into stylized icicles does anything for its moisture in the middle of the already very dry winter. But hey, I guess that's what hair masks are here for, right?
Follow Marie Claire on Facebook for the latest celeb news, beauty tips, fascinating reads, livestream video, and more.
Stay In The Know
Marie Claire email subscribers get intel on fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more. Sign up here.
-
Olivia Rodrigo Finds the Perfect Spring Dresses at Reformation
She's worn the brand twice in the past week.
By Julia Marzovilla Published
-
Curiously, Just as Meghan Markle Sends Samples of Her New Strawberry Jam Out, the Buckingham Palace Shop Starts Promoting Its Own Strawberry Jam on Social Media
The clip promoting the Buckingham Palace Shop’s product—we cannot make this up—is set to Mozart’s “Dissonance Quartet.”
By Rachel Burchfield Published
-
Zendaya's Latest 'Challengers' Serve Is Nearly a Century Old
The 1930s-era dress may have been pulled months ago.
By Halie LeSavage Published
-
The 32 Best Hair Growth Shampoos of 2024, According to Experts
Rapunzel hair, coming right up.
By Gabrielle Ulubay Published
-
The 20 Best Hair Masks for Damaged Hair, According to Experts and Editors
Healthy strands, here we come!
By Gabrielle Ulubay Last updated
-
How Often You Should Wash Your Hair, According To Experts
Keep it fresh, my friends.
By Gabrielle Ulubay Published
-
The 11 Best Magnetic Lashes of 2023
Go ahead and kiss your messy lash glue goodbye.
By Hana Hong Published
-
Beauty Advent Calendars Make the Perfect Holiday Gift
The gift that keeps on giving.
By Julia Marzovilla Last updated
-
The 18 Best Natural Hair Products in 2023
Remember: Your curls are your crown.
By Gabrielle Ulubay Published
-
The 9 Best Hot Rollers for the Curls of Your Dreams
This is how we roll.
By Samantha Holender Published
-
The 12 Best Cream Eyeshadows, According to Makeup Artists
The best part? They’re so easy to apply.
By Samantha Holender Published