TL;DR
- Ford’s Follicles contains 5 main collectibles: Nugget of Wisdom, Half-A-Mind, Mental Vault, Steamer Trunk Tag, and Steamer Trunk
- Use Psi Blast strategically to activate environmental elements like hairdryers for reaching difficult areas
- The level features smaller, more concentrated exploration areas compared to other Psychonauts 2 locations
- Collectibles are often hidden in shadowed areas or require specific ability usage to access
- Complete collection provides significant progression benefits and story insights
Throughout your Psychonauts 2 journey, you’ll repeatedly explore the fragmented consciousness of Ford Cruller, working to reassemble the scattered pieces of his personality. This guide provides comprehensive coverage of everything discoverable within the barber-themed segment of his psyche, where hair becomes the landscape and grooming tools transform into environmental puzzles.
The middle section of Psychonauts 2 focuses heavily on restoring Ford Cruller’s shattered mental state. When protagonist Raz establishes contact with the legendary Psychonaut, he discovers Ford’s consciousness has fractured into three distinct aspects, each requiring individual attention to achieve full restoration. These personality fragments are distributed throughout the Motherlobe headquarters, with one particular manifestation operating the on-site barbershop facility.
After completing preliminary tasks around the Motherlobe, you gain access to barber Ford’s mental realm through the Ford’s Follicles level. This environment contains numerous valuable items to discover, ranging from Emotional Baggage pieces to enlightening Nuggets of Wisdom. For additional gaming assistance, explore our comprehensive Complete Guide to master similar exploration challenges in other titles.
The three distinct aspects of Ford Cruller present moderately condensed levels compared to standard Psychonauts 2 environments. Each segment offers simplified navigation relative to expansive locations like Hollis’s Hot Streak or Compton’s Cookoff. Despite the reduced scale, several collectibles remain cleverly concealed as you traverse Ford’s flowing hairscapes and uncover hidden Psychonauts secrets.
Before entering Ford’s Follicles, ensure you’ve upgraded Raz’s Psi Blast ability to maximum efficiency, as this power proves essential for accessing several key collectibles. The compact nature of this level means missing items often requires thorough backtracking, so methodical exploration saves significant time. Common mistakes include rushing through the hair-based terrain without checking shadowed alcoves or failing to recognize interactive environmental elements.
Advanced players should focus on developing efficient collection routes that minimize redundant traversal. The entire level typically requires 15-20 minutes for complete exploration if following optimized paths, though first-time players may need 30-45 minutes to locate all hidden items. Understanding the game’s verticality mechanics is crucial, as several collectibles utilize the hair-dryer created wind currents for reaching elevated platforms.

Navigation challenges often stem from the organic, flowing nature of the hair-based environment, where paths blend together visually. Strategic use of your Class Guide knowledge from other games can help develop systematic search patterns. The Censor enemies present moderate combat challenges, but proper ability selection from our Weapons Unlock strategies applies to managing these encounters efficiently.
Nugget of Wisdom: Immediately upon exiting the barbershop entrance into the hair-constructed world, direct your attention to the right side. Employ Psi Blast targeting the wall-embedded button mechanism to activate a hairdryer apparatus. Utilize the generated airflow to propel yourself across the chasm and secure the bacon-formed Nugget of Wisdom, which provides valuable insight into game lore.
Half-A-Mind: When departing the barbershop area, this particular Half-A-Mind collectible should be visibly accessible, presenting fewer acquisition challenges than the Nugget of Wisdom. Scan the pathway edges carefully as you progress into the hairy township landscape to locate this important mental fragment.
Mental Vault: Positioned relatively near the primary route but easily overlooked during rapid traversal. Identify the prominent signage stating “Did you know there’s a war going on” as your landmark reference. The Mental Vault typically lingers concealed within adjacent shadows just off the main thoroughfare, prepared to flee upon close approach detection.
Steamer Trunk Tag: You’ll encounter this item along your journey after navigating a gap utilizing multiple hair dryer devices. Search for its location adjacent to the yellow-colored hut structure where you’ll encounter several Censor adversaries, preceding your crossing of the tiled bridge leading to interior zones.
Steamer Trunk: Locate the trunk discreetly positioned beside the lighthouse structure, partially obscured by shadow coverage. The Victory Shampoo container serves as an identifiable navigation marker for pinpointing this Emotional Baggage component.

For optimal efficiency, follow this collection sequence: Half-A-Mind first for its straightforward accessibility, followed by the Nugget of Wisdom requiring Psi Blast proficiency, then proceed to the Mental Vault, Steamer Trunk Tag, and finally the Steamer Trunk. This route minimizes backtracking and ensures you have necessary abilities activated when needed. Completionists should note that all collectibles in Ford’s Follicles contribute toward 100% game completion metrics and unlock additional narrative elements.
Successfully securing every collectible provides tangible gameplay benefits, including ability upgrades, expanded health or energy reserves, and deeper understanding of Ford Cruller’s backstory. The compact level design means thorough exploration typically yields all items within a single session if following strategic pathfinding principles.
Remember that patience proves crucial when hunting Mental Vaults, as these elusive collectibles will immediately retreat if approached too aggressively. Strategic positioning and careful movement patterns ensure successful capture of these mobile items. The knowledge gained from mastering Ford’s Follicles collectibles translates well to other mental landscapes throughout Psychonauts 2.
Action Checklist
- Upgrade Psi Blast ability before entering the level
- Collect Half-A-Mind immediately upon exiting barbershop
- Use Psi Blast on wall button to activate hairdryer for Nugget of Wisdom
- Approach Mental Vault cautiously from angles to prevent escape
- Locate Steamer Trunk Tag near yellow hut before tile bridge
- Find Steamer Trunk hidden beside lighthouse using Victory Shampoo as marker
No reproduction without permission:SeeYouSoon Game Club » Psychonauts 2 Ford’s Follicles Collectibles Guide Complete guide to finding all collectibles in Ford's Follicles level with expert strategies and hidden locations
