If you buy something through a link on this page, we may earn a small commission. How this works. Overview Nose hair is a natural part of the human body that serves as a defense system. Nasal hair keeps harmful debris out of the body system and maintains moisture in the air we breathe. Blood vessels in the nose and face are extra dense. In the nose, they support hair growth. Although nose hair serves a useful function, you may decide you want to remove it for personal or cultural reasons. Following are ways to remove nose hair as well as the potential risks.

1. Nose trimmers Trimming nose hair is the safest and most accessible option for most people. Tiny scissors made just for this job are often included in grooming kits. These scissors should have rounded tips to prevent you from poking your skin and bleeding. 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. To trim nose hair: Stand in front of a mirror with good light.

Blow your nose first and clean out any hardened mucous that might get in your way.

Hold the scissors 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. An alternative way to trim your nose hair is with electric nose trimmers. Electric nose trimmers are made with rounded razors. You can purchase these at your local drugstore or Amazon or another online retailer. Results from trimming your nose hair only last until the hair grows longer again. It’s not a permanent solution, but it’s the safest.

2. Waxing or plucking In most cases, waxing or plucking nasal hair is not recommended. Pulling out individual hairs can lead to ingrown hairs and infection. Waxing, especially, could hurt the skin deep inside your nose. However, there is a nasal wax product on the market that has been designed to remove only the hair inside the edge of the nostril. Results can last up to four weeks. This lasts longer than trimming because waxing doesn’t just cut the hair shorter. Instead, it removes the whole hair shaft from below the skin line. If you use wax to remove nasal hair at home, be sure to read and follow the instructions exactly. If the area is sore or tender after the waxing, dampen a towel with warm water and place it on the area. This warm compress can provide pain relief and aid healing.

3. Laser hair removal Laser hair removal is a permanent treatment for unwanted hair all over the body. Laser treatment is controversial for nasal hair because it could hurt the mucous membranes inside the nasal cavity. A laser treatment for nose hair likely 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. Laser treatments are the most expensive option of all hair removal, though some offices and doctors can provide payment plans to cover the cost over time. If you’re interested in laser hair removal, be sure to 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.

Methods to avoid Depilatory or hair removal cream is not recommended for use in the nasal cavity. Depilatories 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? Depending on your method, trimming, thinning, and removing nasal hair can be safe, but you don’t want to overdo it. Because nose hair serves an important function in your body, it shouldn’t be altered too drastically. Nose hair keeps particles from entering your body, reducing allergies and infections. Nose hair also helps to add and retain moisture in the air you breathe. These benefits are especially important for anyone with allergies or asthma. Possible complications of removing nose hair include: pain

ingrown hairs

damaging mucous membranes inside the nose

increased risk of debris getting into your airways

Ingrown nose hairs An ingrown hair is a shaft of hair that reenters and then grows back into the skin. Removing body hair increases your risk of developing an ingrown hair. Signs and symptoms of ingrown hairs include: tiny bumps, which may be filled with pus

pain

itching

redness To treat an ingrown hair: Stop any form of hair removal until it clears up.

Use a warm, wet washcloth to clean the skin. Rub in a circular motion to release the hair.

You can also use a sterile needle to lift the hair out of the skin. If symptoms get worse or you develop an infection, see a doctor immediately.