Many people know that it can get cold in Canada, but sometimes you just have to see it to really believe it! The Takhini Hot Pools, located in the northern Yukon territory, shared photos of what happens to wet hair when the temperatures drop. Visitors to the springs, within seconds of getting their wet hair out of the pool, can experience near-instant icicles, frost, and a frozen in place hairdo. Of course, this hair freezing is all done in fun and for the chance to win the International Hair Freezing Contest. (1)
Takhini Hot Pools
Formerly called the Takhini Hot Springs, these mineral water pools have been attracting visitors to the Whitehorse region for centuries. The area was first used, as a natural source, by Ta’an Kwach’an First Nation, and then privately sold for commercial use in the early 1900s. For a period, even the U.S. army used the pools to relax after long days of building the Alaskan Highway.
Today you can visit the pools year-round, which stay at a balmy 118º Fahrenheit regardless of the weather. Soaking in the pool, you can take in the surrounding mountains and forest in peace. The pool’s water is also high in calcium, magnesium, and iron, but not sulfur. Therefore you can avoid that sulfurous or ‘rotten egg’ odor common to many hot springs while gaining the health benefits of the water’s other minerals. (2)
International Hair Freezing Contest
Beginning in 2011, as a spinoff to another local Yukon festival, the hair freezing competition started as a challenge from the pool’s owner. He asked swimmers to drip their hair into the water, and quickly sculpt it into a funky style before it froze in place. After, selfies were taken, and whoever had the best pictured frozen hair won. The competition was stiff that year!
Since then, the contest has progressed a bit further to a season-long activity. Between November and March of each winter, and when the temperature hits -4°F or colder, visitors to the pool can participate in the hairstyling contest. Snapping a selfie of your frozen work of hair art, and sending it to Takhini will guarantee your entry. Freezing your hair, as per the pools owner’s, does not damage or harm your hair. Simply, put your head back down into the warm pool water or hit the shower to defrost your locks. Have no hair? Wigs are welcome so everyone can participate.
Winners are announced closer to spring, with cash and pool membership prizes being provided to the Best Male Photo, Best Female Photo, Most Creative Photo, and Best Group Photo. Check out some of last year’s winners and top competitors, who are making a stir on social media. (2, 3)
Plan Your Trip!
If you want to join the fun and the contest, plan out your trip to the Takhini pools. Children are welcome at the pools, but only when accompanied by a responsible adult and during the day time for safety reasons (before 4 pm to 7:30 pm, depending on the time of year). Ensure you bring poolside footwear, like crocs or flip flops, a towel, and a bathing suit.
Single or multiple entry passes are available for purchase. There are a campground and hostel very close to the springs as well, offering accommodations in the same natural settings. Visitors to the area can also expect to enjoy some world-class hiking, northern lights sightings, and sleigh rides! (2)
