Safe Ways To Remove Nose Hair And Methods To Avoid

The nose is an important part of our body's natural defense system. After all, it provides oxygen and warms the air we breathe, as per the Cleveland Clinic. Inside the nose are small hair structures known as cilia, which filter out dust and dirt. While nose hair may not be aesthetically pleasing, it is essential to our body's natural defense system since it acts as a physical barrier, trapping particles in the air and preventing them from reaching the lungs, per the Cleveland Clinic. In turn, this helps protect us from airborne pollutants and allergens, such as pollen and dust, two common allergens that can cause irritation, inflammation, and other respiratory problems.

Despite all the benefits, there's no denying that nose hair can be unsightly, especially when it protrudes outside of the nostril. Fortunately, there are ways to manage nose hair for those who prefer a more groomed appearance. Some people opt to trim or remove their nose hair entirely. However, care is needed when performing such a task.

The safe and unsafe methods to removing nose hairs

To safely remove nose hair, try using small, rounded scissors or an electric razor with a nose hair trimmer tip specifically designed for nose hair trimming, advises Medical News Today. However, before starting, remember to blow your nose first and trim only the hairs visible outside the nostril. This way, you can avoid trimming too closely or cutting the skin inside the nostril, which can cause irritation or injury. If trimming isn't your thing, you can opt for laser hair removal, another popular hair removal method that uses heat to destroy unwanted hair in the nose.

On the other hand, experts warn against plucking nose hairs or using waxing methods since they're generally not recommended for hair removal in the nose. Plus, it's best to avoid using sharp or pointed objects, like pointed scissors. Overall, try to be gentle and avoid cutting too close to the skin inside the nostril. 

Side effects of removing nose hair

Removing nose hair can be painful, particularly if you resort to plucking. In fact, plucking nose hairs comes with various side effects, such as ingrown hairs, which is when hair grows back into the skin causing inflammation and redness. Plucking can also cause bacteria to enter the nose, leading to infections, like nasal vestibulitis, as suggested in this 2017 study published in the journal Diagnostic Microbiology and Infectious Disease.

Plus, wrongly removing nose hair with pointed scissors can accidentally puncture the membrane in the nose and cause irritation and infection. In some cases, these infections can be serious and require medical attention. Overall, Healthline warns that removing nose hairs has no health benefit. It is mostly a cosmetic procedure. With that being said, if you still want to go ahead with it, it's always best to check with a doctor or dermatologist first to prevent complications.