diff --git a/code/modules/client/preference/preferences_mysql.dm b/code/modules/client/preference/preferences_mysql.dm
index 9157031c683..e94ffc115e0 100644
--- a/code/modules/client/preference/preferences_mysql.dm
+++ b/code/modules/client/preference/preferences_mysql.dm
@@ -436,7 +436,7 @@
 													"f_style" = f_style,
 													"markingstyleslist" = markingstyleslist,
 													"ha_style" = ha_style,
-													"alt_head" = alt_head,
+													"alt_head" = alt_head || "",
 													"e_colour" = e_colour,
 													"underwear" = underwear,
 													"undershirt" = undershirt,