2022/23 winners of the Group 2+ category.
In Yukon, Canadas westernmost territory, winters are long, cold, and dark.
It has also lent itself to an idiosyncratic annual event: the Hair Freezing Contest.
2022/23 winners of the “Group 2+” category.
Held each winter season at the Eclipse Nordic Hot Springs in Whitehorse, theHair Freezing Contestbegan in 2011.
Once the steam makes contact with the cold air, a superficial layer of frost forms around the hair.
The hair itself is not frozen solid, and no one has ever damaged their hair in this contest.
2022/23 winner of the “Best Male” category.
The contest, however, can only occur once air temperatures hit 20C (about -4F) or below.
Anything warmer than this will prevent hair from successfully freezing.
If we could all predict the weather accurately, life would be much simpler, Umbrich continues.
Other than the inherent unpredictability of weather, climate change has drastically impacted temperature patterns across Canada.
Yukon is particularly vulnerable given its position in northwestern Canada.
In fact, the territory is also warmingtwo times fastercompared to the rest of the country.
Climate change is certainly affecting Yukon, Umbrich says.
It seems like our cold spells aren’t lasting as long as when I was younger.
These fluctuations result in scheduling challenges, Umbrich notes.
2022/23 winner of the “People’s Choice” category.
The contest is typically held in February, when temperatures are at their coldest.
Since the weather is less predictable, we decided to hold itanyday that it’s -20C or colder.
The show will go on, then, and it does so with incredible flair and humor.
2022/23 winner of the “Best Facial Hair” category.
Participants mold their hair into tangled nests, elegant waves, and rigid spikes.
Eyelashes are coated white with frost.
Beards and eyebrows are speckled with fluff.
2022/23 winner of the “Best Female” category.
With so much incredible, sculptural hair, how do judges determine the winners?
Winners are usually very obvious, Umbrich explains.
Theyll have put a lot of effort into making something unique, photogenic, and gravity-defying.
Some use small props.
Often, winners get the winning photo from multiple attempts or a bit of planning.
The best part is seeing peoples reactions, Umbrich says.
2022/23 winner of the “Most Creative” category.
Its a unique contest, all ages can appreciate it, its pure fun, and all creativity.
2022/23 winner of the Best Male category.
2022/23 winner of the People’s Choice category.
2022/23 winner of the Best Facial Hair category.
Before freezing, hair can be shaped into frosty and creative sculptures.
2022/23 winner of the Best Female category.
But participants are clearly ready once the right temperatures are finally met.
2022/23 winner of the Most Creative category.
