Each winter in Fairbanks, Alaska, participants gather for an unusual and creative event: the International Hair Freezing Contest. Held at the Chena Hot Springs Resort, this contest challenges visitors to freeze their hair into unique shapes using a combination of natural cold air and geothermal steam. The result is a collection of frozen hairstyles captured in photos and shared around the world.
This article explains how the contest works, its origins, and why it continues to draw attention from both locals and international visitors.
The Origins of the Hair Freezing Contest
Although it might sound unusual, the International Hair Freezing Contest began as a quirky supplement to the Yukon Sourdough Rendezvous festival in 2011, celebrating the unique charm of winter sports at Takhini Hot Springs.
You might wonder how a contest like this could thrive in such cold weather. The idea was simple yet intriguing: participants would dip their heads in the hot springs, then style their hair into freezing masterpieces as the frigid air worked its magic.
What started with a handful of daring participants soon caught the attention of many, especially after a viral image in 2015. This contest quickly gained popularity, drawing curious onlookers and excited participants keen to showcase their icy creations.
Contest Categories and Prizes
Regarding the International Hair Freezing Contest, there’s no shortage of creativity on display.
You’ll find a variety of contest categories that allow participants to showcase their wild, imaginative styles. Here’s a quick rundown:
- Best Male and Best Female: These categories celebrate individual brilliance with frozen hair.
- Best Group: Team up with friends to create a collective masterpiece.
- Most Creative: Push the boundaries of imagination and innovation.
- People’s Choice: Let the audience decide whose style reigns supreme.
Each winner snags a $2,000 prize and an “unlimited” pass for soaks at Eclipse Nordic Hot Springs.
Plus, there’s a new category for Best Frozen Facial Hair, thanks to Air North’s sponsorship, adding more fun to the contest.
How to Freeze Your Hair: A Step-by-Step Guide
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Freezing your hair at Alaska’s International Hair Freezing Contest is a unique and exhilarating experience. Start by completely wetting your hair in the hot springs. Confirm the outside temperature is below -20°C (-4°F) for the best results.
As you step out, let the cold air gradually freeze your hair, forming an icy masterpiece. Periodically dip your ears in hot water to keep them warm. Be patient and wait until your hair turns pure white with frost and ice buildup.
Check that all wet hair, including your eyebrows and eyelashes, is frozen. Once satisfied, ring the bell at the pool entrance to signal for a photo. Rest assured, freezing your hair won’t cause any damage, making this a safe, fun activity.
The Role of Weather in the Contest
After mastering the art of freezing your hair, understanding the role of weather becomes essential to a successful experience at Alaska‘s International Hair Freezing Contest.
The interplay between the outside temperature and hot springs is vital:
- Outside Temperature: Confirm it’s below -20°C (-4°F) for the best hair freezing conditions. The colder it gets, the faster your hair freezes, especially around -30°C (-22°F).
- Hot Springs: With water temperatures around 40°C (104°F), the contrast helps your hair freeze rapidly once exposed to cold air.
- Weather Impact: Weather determines participation. Not all days meet the freezing criteria, which can affect your contest plans.
- Unique Experience: Perfect weather heightens the freezing effect and adds to the contest’s excitement and uniqueness.
Highlights From the 2023 Hair Freezing Contest
This year’s Hair Freezing Contest at the Eclipse Nordic Hot Springs was a spectacle of creativity and frostbitten artistry. Participants braved temperatures below -20°C, freezing their hair into stunning sculptures.
The contest celebrated artistic expression with categories like Best Male, Best Female, and People’s Choice. One of the standout moments was the “BEST GROUP” submission, where a team combined their efforts to create a breathtaking frozen display that wowed the judges and crowd alike.
Winners didn’t just earn bragging rights; they received $750 and a coveted membership for 30 soaks at the natural hot springs of Takhini Hot Pools.
The gallery of frozen hairstyles captured during the event inspired future participants, demonstrating the contest’s lively and creative spirit.
Popularity and Global Reach
With the 2023 Hair Freezing Contest leaving spectators in awe, it’s no wonder the event’s popularity continues to rise globally.
The International Hair Freezing Contest, held at Eclipse Nordic Hot Springs, attracts folks from around the world. Its global recognition has soared since 2015, with enthusiastic participants from countries like Japan and numerous European nations.
Here’s why it’s capturing everyone’s attention:
- Varied Participation: Contestants from far-off places, including New York, make the expedition to compete.
- Viral Fame: The contest’s viral rise has led to several dozen entries each year.
- Category Expansion: With categories like Best Female, the event celebrates creative hairstyles.
- Record Ambitions: Aiming for a Guinness World Record, its impact only grows.
Join the Hair Freezing Community
If you’re intrigued by the frosty allure of Alaska’s International Hair Freezing Contest, joining the lively hair freezing community is just the adventure you need.
Held annually at the Eclipse Nordic Hot Springs in Yukon, Canada, this contest invites creative spirits to freeze their hair in sub-zero temperatures. To become part of this chilly thrill, follow Eclipse Nordic Hot Springs on Instagram at @ECLIPSEHOTSPRINGS. You’ll stay updated on events and connect with fellow enthusiasts.
The contest includes categories like Best Male, Best Female, and Most Creative, sparking artistic competition. Share your frozen hairstyle photos and revel in the global camaraderie.
Since its 2011 inception, it’s drawn locals and travelers alike, enthusiastic to welcome this unique winter tradition.