Hair, often seen as a symbol of beauty and identity, can take a terrifying turn in the realm of horror cinema. This curated list delves into the unsettling and often overlooked subgenre of horror films where hair becomes the central element of fear. From haunted locks to cursed wigs, these movies explore the macabre side of our everyday grooming ritual, offering a chilling experience for those brave enough to watch. Whether it's the supernatural or psychological horror, these films will make you think twice before reaching for your hairbrush.

The Exorcist (1973)
Description: While not exclusively about hair, the scene where Regan's hair levitates during her possession adds to the film's chilling atmosphere.
Fact: The film was nominated for 10 Academy Awards, including Best Picture.


The Haunting (1999)
Description: The film features a scene where the protagonist, Eleanor, is terrorized by a ghostly hand with long, flowing hair, making it a fitting entry for our list.
Fact: The film was directed by Jan de Bont, known for his work on "Twister" and "Speed."


The Others (2001)
Description: The film's eerie atmosphere is heightened by the presence of ghostly children with long, flowing hair, making it a subtle entry into hair horror.
Fact: Nicole Kidman won a Golden Globe for her performance in this film.


The Ring (2002)
Description: While not solely about hair, the iconic scene where Samara's hair covers her face as she crawls out of the TV is unforgettable, making it a must-watch for hair horror enthusiasts.
Fact: The film was remade from the Japanese original "Ringu," and the hair effect was achieved using a wig made from real human hair.


The Descent (2005)
Description: The film features a scene where one of the characters is dragged away by her hair, adding a visceral element of horror.
Fact: The film was shot in a real cave system in the UK, adding to its claustrophobic feel.


The Wicker Man (2006)
Description: Although primarily a cult film, the scene where Nicolas Cage's character discovers a severed head with flowing hair adds a unique hair horror element to the movie.
Fact: The film is a remake of the 1973 British film of the same name, and the hair scene was improvised by Cage.


The Woman in Black (2012)
Description: The ghostly woman with her hair covering her face is a classic horror trope, and this film uses it to great effect.
Fact: The film is based on Susan Hill's 1983 novel of the same name.


The Babadook (2014)
Description: While not directly about hair, the Babadook's menacing presence is often accompanied by his eerie, almost hair-like shadow, adding to the film's unsettling vibe.
Fact: The film was made on a budget of just $2 million but has become a cult classic.


The Autopsy of Jane Doe (2016)
Description: The film features a scene where the mysterious Jane Doe's hair begins to move on its own, adding a supernatural twist to the horror.
Fact: The film was praised for its unique premise and chilling atmosphere, despite its low budget.


The Grudge (2004)
Description: Kayako's ghostly presence, often characterized by her long, dark hair, is central to the film's terror, making it a quintessential hair horror movie.
Fact: The film is a remake of the Japanese film "Ju-on: The Grudge," and the hair was styled to look as if it was constantly moving.
