Alarming and difficult? Not so, after a close shave (5)
I believe the answer is:
hairy
'alarming' is the definition.
(similar in meaning)
I don't understand the rest of the clue.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for hairy that I've seen before include "triggering alarm" , "Hirsute - dangerous" , "Perilous" , "Having shock" , "description of Jacob's brother Esau" .)