Nose hair trimmers are a discreet type of personal grooming shaver that both men and women may find more necessary as they age. The nasal membranes can be delicate, however, and choosing which trimmer to use is a decision that should be based on health, comfort, and personal preference.
Why Do We Need Nose Hair?
Nose hair, or nasal cilia, protects the delicate membranes of the inner nasal passage. Dust, dirt, and debris is caught by nose hair and prevented from clogging nasal passages, and the hair also traps moisture and humidity to keep the delicate nasal membranes lubricated and healthy. Trimming nose hair too frequently or too short can damage the membranes, causing inflammation and enhancing cold or allergy symptoms.
Nose hair growth is regulated by the female hormone estrogen. Both men and women produce estrogen, though men produce significantly lower quantities of the hormone, just as women produce significantly lower quantities of the male hormone testosterone. As estrogen levels decrease (men produce less estrogen as they age), nose hair grows longer and coarser. This is why most nose hair trimmers are marketed toward men: they typically have more problems with overgrown nasal hair than women.
It is a common myth that if nose hair is trimmed or removed, it will grow back longer and darker than it was initially. In fact, trimmed hair is neater than untrimmed hair or strands that are randomly plucked, and trimmers can help individuals maintain a dignified appearance quickly and easily.
Types of Nose Hair Trimmers
There are several types of trimmers available on the market today. The most frequent designs include:
- Battery-operated trimmers with either rotating or oscillating blades (most use AA or AAA batteries).
- Battery-free trimmers that operate with two hands: one to guide and one to manually rotate the blades by rotating the trimmer handle.
- Battery-free trimmers that operate by squeezing mechanical wing handles to create the rotation or oscillation.
- Slim trimmers specifically designed to be discreet for travel.
Which type of trimmer to choose is based on personal preference and comfort. All trimmers offer more features than just blades, however, and popular designs include:
- Safety guides to prevent the blades from contacting nasal membranes
- LED lights for better viewing and subsequent control
- Miniature vacuums to remove hair while trimming
- Brushes to properly clean blades
- Comfort grip handles for greater control
- Attachments to modify the trimmer for sideburns, moustaches, ears, or other facial hair
Popular Brands
While most brands of nose hair trimmers are similar, different manufacturers do incorporate subtle differences for their customers' personal preferences. Popular brands include:
- Groom Mate: Different varieties of battery-free trimmers for men and women.
- Panasonic: Wet and dry trimmers with lighted accessories for trimming nose and ear hair.
- Emjoi: Slim trimmer models and other personal grooming tools.
- Wahl: Lighted trimmers with eyebrow combs and sideburn adapters.
- Remington: Angled and other ergonomic models from the leading electric shaver manufacturer.
Depending on the manufacturer and the exact features of the model, most nasal hair trimmers range from $10-30 each. Additional accessories may cost extra, and interested individuals can find trimmers at drug stores and in chain stores near tweezers, shavers, and other personal grooming products.
Nose Hair Trimming Tips
It may seem easy to use a nose hair trimmer, but there are tips that can ensure a clean, easy trim without risking infections or damage to the sensitive nasal membranes.
- Clean the nose gently but thoroughly before and after trimming to remove excessive dirt, debris, and trimmed hairs.
- Do not use a trimmer with a clogged or runny nose, or if you are prone to nosebleeds.
- Use the trimmer in a well lighted area for maximum visibility, and consider using a magnifying mirror if necessary.
- Be conservative when trimming - remove only the minimum amount of hair necessary to achieve your desired aesthetic appearance.
- Do not force the trimmer deeper into the nose than it can be inserted comfortably.
- Use a model that fits comfortably in the nostril: one that is too loose or too tight will not be able to trim hair effectively.
- Do not use scissors or tweezers to remove nose hair. Plucking can create small tears in the nasal membranes which can lead to infections and scarring.
- Clean the trimmer thoroughly with warm water before and after using to prevent spreading germs or bacteria.
With careful use, nose hair trimmers are essential grooming products that can help individuals maintain a dignified appearance discreetly and with minimal hassle.
