Whether you want to believe it or not, you do have nose hair. And yes, we can see it. And yes, you look better without it. 

While nose hair is a natural part of the human body and serves as a defense system, it doesn’t mean you need gobs of it sticking out of your nostrils. Nasal hair keeps harmful debris out of the body system and maintains moisture in the air we breathe. That’s a nice perk. 

Blood vessels in the nose and face are extra dense. Which means that in the nose, they support hair growth. In some cases…too much hair growth. 

Many men decide that for cultural or aesthetic reasons, less hair in the nose is better. But before you start plucking and tweezing, take a look at the following methods and decide which one you feel most comfortable with. 

1. Nose trimmers

Trimming nose hair with either tiny scissors made just for the job or an electric nose hair trimmer is probably the safest and most accessible option for most people. Good nose trimming scissors are made with rounded tips to prevent you from poking your skin and bleeding.

Electric nose trimmers are also made with rounded razors. You can purchase these at your local drugstore or Amazon or other online retailers.

Trimming nose hair allows you to slowly remove or shorten just the most visible nose hair without removing too much or hurting the delicate skin inside your nose.

While results from trimming your nose hair only last until the hair grows longer again, it is the safest option. If you want something more permanent, keep reading to find out an alternative option. 

To trim nose hair:

• Find somewhere in front of a mirror with good lighting.
• First, blow your nose and clean out any hardened mucus that might be in your way.
• Hold the scissors or trimmer firmly and tip your head back.
• Trim hair down to the skin.
• Blow your nose a few times after trimming to get extra little hairs out. Don’t rinse your nose with water.
• Don’t try to remove all nasal hair. Instead, focus on the thickest and most visible strands.

2. Waxing or plucking

Although you have probably seen scenes from movies where men are getting their nose hair waxed, in most cases, waxing or plucking nasal hair is not recommended. Pulling out individual hairs is painful and can lead to ingrown hairs and infection. Waxing, especially, could hurt the skin deep inside your nose. The thought gives me the willies!

However, there are some nasal waxing products on the market that have been designed to remove only the hair inside the edge of the nostril. Results can last up to four weeks.

Waxing, while more painful and dangerous, lasts longer because it removes the whole hair shaft from below the skin line.

Make sure to read and follow all instructions precisely if you are using a nasal hair remover wax kit at home.  If the area is tender or sore after the waxing, dampen a towel with luke warm water and place it on the area. This warm compress can provide pain relief and aid in healing.

​​3. Laser hair removal

Laser hair removal sounds like a dream! It is permanent hair removal for any part of your body. But buyer beware! Laser treatment is controversial for nasal hair because it can hurt the mucous membranes inside the nasal cavity. 

Like all types of laser hair removal, it involves the use of laser light technology. With this method, the laser destroys the hair follicles and prevents hair from growing back.

A laser treatment for nose hair usually targets only the most visible hair right around the inside edge of the nostril. This makes nose hair less noticeable and prevents it from hanging out of the nose.

Because of the risks involved with laser hair removal in the nose, it is imperative that you find a board-certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon. 

Only accept laser hair treatment within a professional facility. Because the nose is a small body cavity, it’s one of the most difficult spots to treat with lasers.

Find a doctor with a lot of experience and have a consultation before proceeding with any treatments. Not only is it a risky area, it is also the most expensive option. 

Methods to avoid

Hair removal creams, also called Depilatory cream is not recommended for use in the nasal cavity. These creams are very strong, and you risk inhaling toxic fumes and burning the mucous membranes inside your nose.

Some natural products may exist that can thin out nasal hair, but read all product instructions very closely. Most depilatory cream labels indicate that they aren’t safe for using on nose hair.

Is it safe to remove nose hair?

Yes. But do not overdo it! Depending on your method– trimming, thinning, and removing nasal hair can be safe. Nose hair really does serve an important function in your body, so it shouldn’t be altered too drastically.