Nose hair trimmer
We research products from makers' specs and health sources; we do not run hands-on tests. Links to Amazon may earn us a commission at no cost to you. How this works.
- Philips Nose Trimmer 3000. Best for: Nose, ear and eyebrow trimming in one tool. See options on Amazon
- Rounded-tip nose hair scissors. Best for: People who prefer a manual tool. See options on Amazon
- Washable ear and nose trimmer. Best for: Easy cleaning after each use. See options on Amazon
Why nose hair is worth keeping
Cleveland Clinic calls nose hairs a natural air filter: they block and collect dust, pollen and other particles, and a thin layer of mucus helps those particles stick. It also notes nose hairs naturally get longer and thicker as you get older.
The goal is to tidy the hairs you can see, not remove them all. Cleveland Clinic quotes a doctor who says long nose hairs won't hurt you, but removing them incorrectly can cause problems.
Trim, don't pluck
Cleveland Clinic says to resist the urge to pull nose hairs out, because plucking or waxing nostril hair can lead to ingrown hairs and infections. It notes that a study of people with nasal vestibulitis, a common nasal infection, identified nose hair plucking as a main risk factor.
Its nasal vestibulitis page lists plucking nasal hairs and picking your nose among the causes, and its prevention advice is to avoid plucking nose hairs and trim them instead. Cleveland Clinic suggests special tiny scissors with safely rounded tips or an electric trimmer, and notes the hair will grow back.
Rotary vs linear trimmer heads
| Head type | How far to insert, per Philips | How it is used |
|---|---|---|
| Rotary tip | About 5 mm | Rotate the head to catch hairs growing in different directions |
| Linear tip | About 12 mm | Move in and out with the trimming teeth touching the hair |
| Eyebrow comb | Not inserted | Always attach it when trimming eyebrows |
Details are from Philips' nose trimmer support guide. Philips says its trimmers have a protective guard so the blades are not in direct contact with the skin, which leaves short stubs of hair rather than a bare surface.
Philips' Nose Trimmer 3000 (NT3600/42) included both linear and rotary trimmers, dual-sided steel blades and 2 eyebrow guards, so one tool covered all three jobs.
How to use a nose trimmer
- Start clean. Philips says to make sure the device is clean and your nose is free of mucus before trimming.
- Do not go deep. Do not insert the trimming head too far into your nostrils; Philips gives about 5 mm for rotary tips and about 12 mm for linear tips.
- Rotate or move gently. Rotate a rotary head, or move a linear head in and out, so the trimming teeth reach the hair.
- Reduce tickling. Philips says you may hold the flat side of the trimmer against the skin while rotating.
- Expect some hairs left. Philips says it is normal to see remaining hairs after use.
Ears, eyebrows and cleaning
Philips says the same cutting unit can trim nose and ear hair. For ears, move the head slowly along the rim of the ear and carefully into the outer ear canal only, with ears free of wax first. For eyebrows, always attach the eyebrow comb. For ear care beyond trimming, see our ear wax removal kit guide.
Clean the trimmer thoroughly after each use, as Philips advises. Philips describes its Nose Trimmer 3000 as fully washable, so you can rinse it under running water.
When to see a doctor
Cleveland Clinic says nasal vestibulitis often causes scabbing and crusting around the opening of the nose, that treatment may include antibiotic ointments or oral antibiotics, and that you should see a healthcare provider at the first sign of trouble to reduce the risk of complications.
See a doctor for a painful, red or swollen nostril or sores that do not settle. If your nose often feels dry inside, see our saline nasal spray guide.
What to look for when you buy
Philips Nose Trimmer 3000
Best for: Nose, ear and eyebrow trimming in one tool
Philips describes a protective guard so blades do not touch skin, eyebrow guards, and a fully washable design.
Watch out: Insert only about 5 mm (rotary) or 12 mm (linear), per Philips.
See options on AmazonRounded-tip nose hair scissors
Best for: People who prefer a manual tool
Cleveland Clinic suggests special tiny scissors with safely rounded tips for trimming nose hair.
Watch out: Trim only the hairs you can see at the opening.
See options on AmazonWashable ear and nose trimmer
Best for: Easy cleaning after each use
Philips advises cleaning thoroughly after each use; washable models can be rinsed under running water.
Watch out: Make sure the nose and ears are free of mucus or wax before trimming.
See options on AmazonQuestions people ask
- Is it bad to pluck nose hair?
- Cleveland Clinic says plucking or waxing can cause ingrown hairs and infections; trim instead.
- How far should I insert a nose trimmer?
- Philips says about 5 mm for rotary tips and about 12 mm for linear tips.
- Can a nose trimmer cut the skin?
- Philips says its protective guard keeps the blades from direct contact with the skin.
- Can I use a nose trimmer on my ears?
- Philips says the same cutting unit works on ear hair, along the rim and the outer ear canal only.
- Why does nose hair get longer with age?
- Cleveland Clinic says nose hairs naturally get longer and thicker as you get older.
Sources
- Nose Hair: Why We Have Them and How to Get Rid of Them (health.clevelandclinic.org), Cleveland Clinic
- Nasal Vestibulitis (my.clevelandclinic.org), Cleveland Clinic
- How do I use my Philips Nose Trimmer? (usa.philips.com), Philips
- Norelco Nose trimmer 3000 NT3600/42 (usa.philips.com), Philips