Fear of becoming bald (phalacrophobia)

Phalacrophobia, the fear of becoming bald, can lead to constant checking of the hairline, counting hairs in the shower, or avoiding photos and bright lighting. It may start after noticing a little thinning or watching a parent lose their hair. If you are seeing sudden or patchy hair loss, it is worth checking with a GP, as there can be medical causes.

About this phobia

The name comes from the Greek phalakros, meaning bald. It is not a clinical diagnosis on its own, but worry about hair loss is very common and can be part of wider concerns about appearance. It is different from peladophobia, the fear of bald people.

What it feels like

• Checking mirrors, photos or the pillow for signs of thinning
• Anxiety on windy days or under bright lights
• Spending lots of time researching hair loss products or causes

Explore more unusual fears in the rare phobias A to Z, or browse the common phobias.

Common questions

When does worry about hair loss become a phobia?

Most people notice changes to their hair at some point and feel some concern. It becomes more of a problem when checking and worrying take up a lot of time or stop you going out or being photographed. A GP can look at any real hair loss, and support for the anxiety itself can help too.

How can you help?

I use hypnotherapy and NLP to change how your mind responds to the thing you fear, so the old alarm stops going off. Sessions are one to one over Zoom, and you get a recording of the hypnosis to listen to afterwards.

How many sessions will I need?

Many clients notice a real difference after one 90 minute session. If the fear goes back a long way, three sessions gives us room to make the change stick.

Ready to start?

Book a £49 consultation call and we’ll talk through your fear, or take the free suitability test first.

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