Trimming pesky nose hairs might not be at the top of your grooming regimen but, boy, does it make a world of difference. Even the most well-groomed among us might notice a few stray hairs, which according to studies, only start to grow faster as we age. Thankfully, there are plenty of nose hair trimmers to choose from that will instantly have your nostrils looking neat and tidy.
Is it a good idea to trim nose hair?
Experts recommend trimming nose hair, but ultimately advise that it is a personal and aesthetic decision. “The best practice for your nose hair trimming is coming up with a strategy [so] that whatever is growing from your nose is not distracting,” says Eric Bandholz, founder of men’s grooming company Beardbrand. “Personally, I trim on an ad hoc basis when the hairs start getting a little long.”
Nose hairs do serve an important function in trapping foreign particles before they enter the nasal passage. Completely stripping the nose of hair, experts warn, can cause adverse effects. “Excessive trimming can potentially lead to an increased exposure to irritants,” says New York-based cosmetic surgeon Dr. Ariel Ostad. “If it is not done properly, trimming nose hairs can cause small cuts or abrasions in the nasal passage, which can increase the risk of infections.”
What is the best way to trim nose hair?
When trimming nose hairs, it is important to focus on the visible hair outside of the nostrils and avoid going too deep inside the nasal passage. Most men use electric trimmers instead of small scissors which, despite providing more precision, can also lead to cuts and irritation if not used correctly.
Men’s groomer and makeup artist Genevieve Garner, whose clients include Devin Booker and Brendan Hunt, uses small scissors on her clients but recommends a motorized trimmer for personal use. “I always suggest trimming over other remedies like waxing because ridding your nose of hair completely can cause irritation and dryness,” Garner says. “While everyone’s hair grows at different rates, I would suggest trimming once a week or every other week.”
When to incorporate nose hair trimming into your grooming routine is up to you; many brands now offer wet and dry trimming systems for use in and out of the shower. Garner suggests trimming nose hairs at the start of your grooming process, adding, “Then you can trim any other unruly hairs in your eyebrows, mustache or beard and wash your face to make sure you get all the hairs off your skin.”
What are the disadvantages of nose hair trimmers?
The main drawbacks of nose hair trimmers, when compared to other devices like scissors, is the lack of precision. Much like regular shaving, a motorized blade will provide less of a close cut than a traditional straight blade. However, grooming experts tend to look at this limitation as a plus. “Removing too much [hair] can cause irritation and dryness of the nostrils,” Garner explains. “If hairs are trimmed improperly, or plucked, it can lead to inflamed follicles and ingrown hairs.”
To prevent potential infections or irritants entering the nasal passages, Ostad recommends applying a multipurpose ointment, like Aquaphor, to the nose after trimming and ensuring that the device is clean before every use. In general, trimming deeply into the nasal passage and plucking individual hairs with tweezers should be avoided.
From traditional scissors to multipurpose nose shavers, the following products will be game changers in your nose hair trimming routine.
Editors’ favorite nose hair trimmers
Editor Favorite
Outdoors and sustainability editor Kai Burkhardt calls this a "tiny but mighty tool." The low-cost option gets the job done thanks to its travel-friendly size, precise trimming and multiple attachments.
Read our review
This sleek and affordable device is an expert, editor and customer favorite — on Amazon, it boasts 24,000 5-star ratings. In addition to the nose area, the detachable detailer and rotary head can also address regions like the ears, sideburns and eyebrows. “It’s quiet, slim, cheap and gets the job done,” says Bandholz.
Best budget nose hair trimmers
“I love this trimmer because not only is it waterproof (yes, you can use it in the shower!), it has a micro-vacuum system for less mess,” says Garner. “A cone design helps keep skin safe from the blades that are at the top and sides for efficient trimming. It is cordless and lasts about 90 minutes on one charge.”
Philips’ Norelco line is a favorite amongst expert groomers. This nose trimmer, complete with dual-sided steel blades, is great for those on a budget looking to address a variety of areas with one trimmer.
“This device is ideal for those with sensitive skin,” says Ostad. “It also has dual-sided blades to cut the hair without pulling [and] is also very easy to clean.”
A simple pair of steel scissors is a quick and precise way to address any loose nose hairs. The $17 price tag of this stainless steel Seki pair makes it a great investment.
Best nose hair trimmers for travel
Groom Mate’s compact shape and battery-free operating system make it an ideal trimmer to pack into an overnight or carry-on bag. The trimmer’s stainless steel composition is also a plus for durability.
With a removable bevel blade and sleek design, ConairMan’s all-in-one model can be used for a variety of functions — perfect for those frequently in transit. Ostad adds that this device is unique in its ability to “prevent against nicks and cuts.”
Not only budget-friendly, this Aigeer nose trimmer also features a compact profile and convenient USB charging cord that make it easy to pack. The design is waterproof and equipped with two shaving heads for your on-the-go needs.
“The [scissors'] blade is made of hard and sharp Japanese steel, and is the perfect length for controlling cuts around your beard, nose and eyebrows,” says Bandholz. “[It] gives you lots of versatility and allows you to simplify your grooming tool set.”
Instead of a traditional oval-shaped blade, Micro Touch’s trimmer utilizes a thin, lightweight shaver to access areas that other trimmers might not. Its angled and side-mounted blades will also work wonders for beards, sideburns and more.
Best multi-function nose hair trimmers
This top-rated trimmer has a sleek stainless steel rotary blade for an extremely close cut. Choose from the trimmer’s wet or dry cycle depending on which function best meets your grooming needs.
Instead of one multi-use blade, this water-resistant device includes linear, rotary and detail trimmers as well as a guard system to protect sensitive skin against blade irritation.
“If you don't want another device with a charger then this is the trimmer for you,” says Garner. “It runs on one AA battery and comes with a multitude of attachments (brows, ears, sideburns) for all your grooming needs. It's also easy to clean, just run under [it] water!”
Nose and ear hair often go neglected, but this price-friendly option from Brio tackles both. “This [device] is slim, good-looking, durable and can handle a larger battery,” says Bandholz.
Get the best of everything with Panasonic’s ear and nose trimmer, which can be used in both wet and dry settings. Its micro-vacuum collects excess hair to reduce mess while the ergonomic design helps access hard-to-reach areas.
