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Phobia of the Day — Saturday, March 28, 2026
Chaetophobia
Chaetophobia
Situational PhobiaAffects Uncommon of people
What is Chaetophobia?
Fear of hair.
Etymology
Greek: chaite (hair) + phobos
Symptoms
- Individuals with chaetophobia experience intense anxiety
- panic attacks
- and nausea when encountering hair
- whether on themselves
- others
- or even detached strands. They may also feel a strong urge to avoid situations where hair might be present
- leading to social isolation.
What Causes It?
- This phobia can stem from a traumatic experience involving hair
- such as a painful hair-pulling incident or a perceived contamination. It can also develop through observational learning or be linked to underlying anxieties about hygiene or body image.
Treatment Options
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps challenge irrational thoughts about hair
- while exposure therapy gradually desensitizes individuals to hair-related stimuli. Relaxation techniques and
- in some cases
- medication for anxiety can also be beneficial.
Struggling with Chaetophobia?
Professional therapy is the most effective treatment. Online-Therapy.com offers structured CBT programs specifically designed for phobias — from the comfort of your home.
Start CBT ProgramAffiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.
Did You Know?
Some people with chaetophobia may go to extreme lengths to avoid hair, such as shaving their own heads or refusing to be near animals.
Quick Facts
PrevalenceUncommon
CategorySituational
DSM-5 TypeSpecific Phobia
