Sometimes it seems so cold that even your hair could freeze over. Well, hair freezing is a thing and  there is even a competition for the best  frozen hair style.  

Temperatures need to be below minus 20 to get a good 'freeze'
Temperatures need to be below minus 20 to get a good 'freeze'

The 'International Hair Freezing Competition' is taking place right now in Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada at the Yukon’s delightfully named  Sourdough Rendezvous. The annual  festival takes place in February to celebrate the rich history of the Yukon.

One of the entrants in the 2015 competition.
One of the entrants in the 2015 competition.

The competition takes place at the Takhini Hot Pools. There is one clear aim of the competition: to create the most amazing frozen hairdo possible.

The competition has been happily welcoming chilly participants every February since 2011.
The competition has been happily welcoming chilly participants every February since 2011.

Here’s the science behind the hair freezing: Outside temperatures should be minus 20 to get a good freeze. Soak in the delightful hot springs and then lift your head out of the warm water. The sub zero temperatures will begin to freeze your hair and as it does, hair is moulded into weird and wonderful styles, worthy of a Vogue magazine cover.

All hair gets frozen - that includes eyebrows, eyelashes and any facial hair.  Participants are encouraged to take selfies and share on social media. The competition winner is announced in March and will receive $750 and free entry to the hot springs.  

If you’re interested in participating in the contest, the Takhini Hot Springs have published a handy guide for how to freeze your hair properly. Pro tips: You have to have a lot of hair and a lot of patience.

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