Visitors to this hotpool have been keeping a cool head during worrying times. Photo / Supplied
Visitors to this hotpool have been keeping a cool head during worrying times. Photo / Supplied
In spite of the hair-raising news around the world, a Canadian hot spring is not letting a global pandemic get in the way of their distinctive annual competition.
The Takhini Hot Springs in Whitehorse holds its Hair Freezing Contest in northwest Canada.
Visitors have discovered that warm outdoor baths andsub-zero temperatures provide the perfect conditions for creating strange and arresting shapes out of frozen hair and beards.
A korean noodle company has supplied the $2000 prize money for brave entrants. Photo / Supplied
Temperatures in this part of the Yukon can dip as low as -12 Celsius, or -21 at night. This causes damp hair freezes instantly into impressive frosted shapes.
Facing freezing temperatures and the mother of all 'bad hair days' those attending the Takhini Hot Springs are a hardy lot. Out of 288 entries, the frosted hairstyles have been whittled down to just five finalists for the Peoples' Choice category.
Hair freezes instantly in the cold Canadian air. Photo / Supplied
Winners in each category will be awarded CA$2000 ($2390) and a year's free bathing at the hot pools.
The prize money this year is being footed by a Korean instant noodle brand, who were inspired by the nests of frosted hair.
Brain freeze! Entrants must style their hair in minus 20 degrees temperatures. Photo / Supplied
A guideline for entrants on the hot springs' website advises contestants to keep dipping their ears in hot water while they prepare their hair-raising designs. Temperatures of -20 degrees is sure to give you more than brain freeze.
When the hair styling is done, entrants ring a bell for the official photographer to get their picture.
The hotpool had to close due to the public health crisis, but not before gaining an impressive 288 entries. Photo / Supplied
Sadly Andrew Umbrich, the owner of the pools has said they will be closed to the public from March 24, due to the district's response to the coronavirus pandemic. However, they will still be offering private pool rental for small groups, who wish to brave the arctic temperatures.
A frozen moment: The 300 entries have been whittled down to just 5. Photo / Supplied
