Nobody likes hair growth sticking out of the nostrils, and many people make mistakes when removing their nasal hair. Although they play an important function in the body by filtering out foreign particles, nose hair can often be a challenge when it comes to facial care. Luckily, it is quite possible to solve the problem in a safe way. There are several techniques and remedies that can help you keep the bristles in your nostrils in check without going too extreme. Here are some grooming tips and methods you can try for yourself.
What to consider before removing your nose hair
While your first thought might be to reach for tweezers, you could actually be doing more harm than good if you use them to pull out your nose hair. While nose hair can be annoying, it should serve the purpose outlined above in the first place. In addition, this is your body’s first line of defense against bacteria and viruses in the nasal cavity. It is therefore important to understand that not all nose hair removal methods are created equal. So, to avoid causing yourself unnecessary pain or ending up in the hospital, there are certain techniques you should avoid. Here are some factors to consider:
- Trimmers and grooming scissors are the best tools you could use on unwanted nose hair.
- Some methods, such as dewaxing and plucking, carry greater risks and should be avoided when removing nasal hair.
- Nose hair is one of the body’s most important defense mechanisms against threats from the external environment. Therefore, you should not remove all nose hair.
Common methods of nasal hair removal
So, cilia (the technical term for nasal hair) are part of the immune system that helps protect the lungs and airways. Not only do they help filter out incoming intruders, but they also move slowly to compress and block debris from reaching the airways and gaining access to the bloodstream. So if you don’t have nose hair, you could get an infection. Additionally, removing nasal hair leaves the nasal cavity and sinuses completely vulnerable to whatever gets inside. As a result, the body becomes more susceptible to allergies, sinusitis, and respiratory infections.
If you also think your nose hair is coarse and unsightly when you’re young, realize that it’s likely to get worse as you get older. In most cases, androgens (male sex hormones) are responsible for this. These become more sensitive on the hair follicles with age. By getting a handle on your nose hair early, you can keep it under control as you age. Luckily, there are some dermatologist-approved steps you can take to minimize the appearance of nasal hair without jeopardizing your health. Listed below are some of the best nose hair removal options.
Use electric or manual nose hair trimmer and remove nose hair
Trimming is one of the safest options, although a quality electric nose trimmer is well worth the investment. The device does all the work for you by being able to remove nose hair with its fast spinning blades. In addition, it is a comfortable and safe option that has long proven to be a must for every well-groomed gentleman. However, you can also use trimming scissors, which you normally use to shape your eyebrows. Just use a magnifying mirror, but make sure you’re in a well-lit area. Also clean your nose and scissors before you start.
In addition, a manual nose hair trimmer can be a suitable alternative to the electric nose hair trimmer. So you get the same results, just with a slightly different design. Manual nose hair trimmers cut nose hair by twisting or squeezing your hand. They are compact and easily portable, as well as being safe and easy to use. The only downside to this is that you have to clean and maintain them regularly.
The advantages of nose hair scissors
There are round-tipped scissors that are ideal when it comes to removing nose hair. This is especially important because you can prevent injuries when cutting. Also, they are inexpensive and easy to use. However, such a tool should be cleaned frequently, preferably before and after each use, to prevent germs and bacteria from getting free entry through the nose.
Laser hair removal
If you’re looking for a more permanent solution to getting rid of your nose hair because it’s growing with age or hormonal issues, laser hair removal may be your best bet. However, for safe and, most importantly, effective treatment, be sure to consult a professional. One thing to consider is the cost and length of the procedure. While laser hair removal is an effective solution that lasts a long time, it is certainly more expensive and time-consuming than trimming.
What to avoid when removing nose hair
When trying to improve your facial care routine, it’s easy to make mistakes. Therefore, in order to avoid painful and potentially serious complications with inappropriate methods, you should not try risky hair removal techniques. Stick to the nose hair removal options outlined above and rather avoid the following methods.
Possible mistakes in nose hair removal
- Plucking: Pulling out nose hairs one at a time with tweezers is not only incredibly painful, but can also lead to ingrown hairs and nasty skin infections. The tiny bumps that result from such a painful method often look like nose pimples because they can be red and filled with pus.
- Removing nasal hair with wax: When waxing leaves tiny cuts in the skin, staph bacteria in the nose can lead to an infection. This infection is usually characterized by a honey-colored crust on the inside of the nostril. Similar to plucking, nose hair outgrowth can damage the skin and inflame the hair follicles in the nostrils.
- The other problem with waxing is that it removes a lot of nose hair in one go. While that may have been your original goal, removing too much nose hair takes away one of your body’s most important defense mechanisms of keeping foreign particles out.
- If you suffer from seasonal allergies, removing too much nasal hair can impair your body’s ability to defend itself against airborne allergens.
- Applying depilatory creams: Such products contain chemicals that destroy the keratin (horny substance) in the hair, causing it to fall out. While some men can get away with using a depilatory cream to remove hair on their backs or chests, sticking this stuff up your nose isn’t a good idea. Also, inhaling the strong scent of the cream will not feel good on your mucous membranes.
- Disadvantages of using laser: Again, it is not recommended to remove all nose hair. Laser hair removal could also be a wrong decision. It’s best to stick with one of the three options above that have been proven to be safe and effective.