Improve Your Breathing and Clean Up Your Nostrils With These Editor-Tested Nose Hair Trimmers (2024)

Nose hairs protect the delicate tissues of the nasal cavity and lungs from airborne irritants and pollutants, such as dust and pollen. However, they can become unsightly and even uncomfortable when they grow too long. A good nose hair trimmer can help keep these hairs under control and looking their best without causing pain, irritation, or tissue damage. Because of their small size and precision blades, they do a much better (and safer) job than regular hair trimmers.

We tested various nose hair trimmers to evaluate their ease of use, cleaning, comfort, and value to help you find the trimmer that's right for you. And, once we rounded up our favorite products, a family medicine physician from our Medical Expert Board reviewed this article for medical accuracy. These are our top picks.

What Healthcare Providers Want You to Know

  • Wet and dry settings: If you're looking for a nose hair trimmer that gives you the best results and is easy to keep clean, a waterproof model is an excellent choice. They're typically more clean, sanitary, and durable than non-waterproof models because they better withstand moisture and humidity.
  • Ears: Some trimmers are made to trim the hair in both the nose and ears. Some come with attachments for different purposes, and some use the same blades, so follow the manufacturer's instructions. If the trimmer isn't made to cut hair in your ears, don't use it. Don't go too deep into your ears when trimming hair because it can damage the delicate ear canal.
  • Battery life: A long battery life means you won't have to recharge or replace the batteries as often, which is convenient and can save you money in the long run. Alpana Mohta, MBBS, MD, DNB, a certified dermatologist and Better Goods board member, says that battery-operated trimmers offer more power and could be more user-friendly (despite the price). Choose a model with an appropriate battery life: at least 90 minutes for daily use and several weeks for occasional.
  • Easy cleaning and maintenance: A good nose hair trimmer should be easy to disassemble and clean, with blades that can be rinsed under water. Some trimmers come with a special cleaning brush to help remove hair from the blades after trimming. The blades on nose hair trimmers, like in razors, can dull over time, and Mohta warns that if they aren't cleaned properly, they can breed bacteria that could cause larger issues like skin infections or other health problems. Depending on the model of your nose hair trimmer, frequency of use, and the maintenance of the blades, a nose hair trimmer can last from several months to up to three years. Remember to clean and store your device correctly to ensure the blades on your trimmer last.
  • Safety: Emily Wood, MD, board-certified dermatologist at Westlake Dermatology in Austin, says trimming nose hair is generally safe for adults and teens. She adds, however, that plucking nose hairs may lead to an infection of the hair follicle. And removing too much hair could increase the risk of respiratory infection, as nose hairs filter harmful germs from entering the body. Using a nose trimmer shouldn’t hurt as the tool only cuts the overgrowth so hairs don’t protrude out of your nose. It doesn’t cut down to the skin. Because nose hair trimmers have blades, users should operate the device safely and properly, explains Wood. Look for nose hair trimmers with protective guards to ensure the blades are not in direct contact with skin.

Our Top Picks

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Pros

  • Protective guard system

  • Dual-sided steel blades

  • Fully washable

Cons

  • Not rechargeable

  • May not be as effective on ear hair

Key Specs:

Type: Battery | Wet and Dry: No | Battery Life: Not listed | Safe For: Nose, ears, and brows | Attachments: Linear trimmer, rotary trimmer, detail trimmer, two eyebrow guards

Why We Recommend It

The Philips Norelco Nose Trimmer 5000 ranked best overall with its versatile design, wide range of features, and affordable price tag. The trimmer has a protective guard system to help prevent nicks and cuts and dual-sided steel blades that quickly and easily trim nose and ear hair. We appreciated the handy instruction booklet explaining how to use the trimmer, the included attachments, and the handy cleaning tips.

We used the Philips Norelco Nose Trimmer 5000 on her nose and eyebrows with great results—and loved that it's ready to go without assembly or charging. The package includes everything you need: an AA lithium battery, trimmer attachments, two eyebrow guards, and a pouch for easy traveling. It's also fully washable under warm water and can be air-dried.

Keep in Mind

This pick may not be as effective on ear hair.

Pros

  • 360° rotary dual-blade system

  • Replaceable blade

  • Contoured design for precision

Cons

  • Doesn't include a travel case

  • May have to run over the same area multiple times

Key Specs:

Type: Rechargeable | Wet and Dry: Yes | Battery Life: Up to 90 minutes | Safe For: Nose and ears | Attachments: None

Why We Recommend It

The contoured design of The Weed Whacker from MANSCAPED matches the angle of the nose and ears for a close, comfortable trim every time. The 360-degree rotary dual-blade system and 9,000 RPM motor cut through hair quickly and easily without pulling or tugging the skin. And the replaceable blade means you can continue using the trimmer for years.

We appreciated how easily the trimming head could be removed and cleaned—twist it off and rinse it under warm water after each use. The device is hypoallergenic for those with sensitive skin or allergies. It’s also rechargeable via USB (included) and comes with illustrative instructions and a cleaning brush for extra convenience.

Keep in Mind

It doesn't include a travel case, and for a clean, tight shave you may have to run over the same area a few times.

  • Improve Your Breathing and Clean Up Your Nostrils With These Editor-Tested Nose Hair Trimmers (13)

  • Improve Your Breathing and Clean Up Your Nostrils With These Editor-Tested Nose Hair Trimmers (14)

  • Improve Your Breathing and Clean Up Your Nostrils With These Editor-Tested Nose Hair Trimmers (15)

  • Improve Your Breathing and Clean Up Your Nostrils With These Editor-Tested Nose Hair Trimmers (16)

  • Improve Your Breathing and Clean Up Your Nostrils With These Editor-Tested Nose Hair Trimmers (17)

  • Improve Your Breathing and Clean Up Your Nostrils With These Editor-Tested Nose Hair Trimmers (18)

Pros

  • Dual edge blades

  • Hypoallergenic

  • Smart vortex cleaning system

Cons

Key Specs:

Type: Battery | Wet and Dry: Yes | Battery Life: Up to 90 minutes | Safe For: Nose and facial hair | Attachments: None

Why We Recommend It

Thanks to the Panasonic Wet/Dry Nose Hair Trimmer, trimming in the shower has never been easier. This model has a unique "water mode" setting to keep water out of the motor while bathing. The dual-edge blades cut hair quickly and efficiently, while the hypoallergenic stainless steel construction is gentle on sensitive skin. We loved the smart vortex cleaning system, which uses rapid rotation and water to flush away hair and debris after use. Also, this cordless model is powered by one AA battery and is small enough to take on the go.

For a pain-free, water-safe trimming experience, the Panasonic Wet/Dry Nose Hair Trimmer is tough to beat.

Keep in Mind

Batteries aren't included and the blade speed may vary.

Improve Your Breathing and Clean Up Your Nostrils With These Editor-Tested Nose Hair Trimmers (20)

Pros

  • High-velocity motor

  • Dual-edge trimmer blades

  • Built-in vacuum cleaning system

Cons

  • Shorter battery life

  • Loud

Key Specs:

Type: Battery | Wet and Dry: Yes | Battery Life: Up to 40 minutes | Safe For: Face, nose, ears, and brows | Attachments: None

Why We Recommend It

Even the thickest, curliest nose hairs stand no chance against the Panasonic Ear and Nose Hair Trimmer ER-GN70-K. This trimmer has a high-velocity motor that quickly and efficiently cuts through coarse hair. The dual-edge trimmer blades cut hair entering from either direction, making for a more even trim. And the built-in vacuum cleaning system sucks up cut hair, so they don't end up on your face or countertop.

We found the device pain-free, even on sensitive skin. It takes two AAA batteries and comes with a protective cap to keep the cone-shaped trimmer head safe. A trimming brush also helps remove extra hair from the device after use. You can rinse the trimmer under running water to prevent build-up and keep it running smoothly.

Keep in Mind

The battery life is fairly short compared to other picks. It's also a louder option.

Pros

  • Dual-edge trimming blades

  • Ergonomic design

  • Vortex cleaning system

Cons

  • Low-powered motor

  • Doesn't include attachments

Key Specs:

Type: Battery | Wet and Dry: Yes | Battery Life: Up to 90 minutes | Safe For: Nose | Attachments: None

Why We Recommend It

Traveling with your grooming essentials doesn't have to be a hassle—the Panasonic Nose Hair Trimmer ER430K is a small, cordless option with a carrying case for easy portability. Its dual-edge blade system trims from the top and sides for thorough hair removal, and the rounded tip prevents nicks and cuts. In our test, its intuitive design won high marks for being simple yet functional.

We also appreciated the ergonomic handle and grip, which makes it easy to maneuver without slipping. This model is powered by one AA battery and features a vacuum system to collect cut hair quickly. It's also extremely lightweight at under 4 ounces—another traveler bonus.

Keep in Mind

It has a low-powered motor, and batteries and attachments aren't included. If you need a compact trimmer with attachments and a powerful punch, the ConairMAN Ear and Nose Trimmer is ideal for on-the-go grooming. The 360-degree beveled blade easily cuts through all hair types, including thick and curly nose hairs, but it does run hot quickly.

  • Improve Your Breathing and Clean Up Your Nostrils With These Editor-Tested Nose Hair Trimmers (23)

  • Improve Your Breathing and Clean Up Your Nostrils With These Editor-Tested Nose Hair Trimmers (24)

  • Improve Your Breathing and Clean Up Your Nostrils With These Editor-Tested Nose Hair Trimmers (25)

  • Improve Your Breathing and Clean Up Your Nostrils With These Editor-Tested Nose Hair Trimmers (26)

Pros

  • Stainless steel blades

  • Three included heads

  • Easy clean design

Cons

  • May not cut coarse hair as well

  • Not as durable

Key Specs:

Type: Battery | Wet and Dry: Yes | Battery Life: Up to 90 minutes | Safe For: Face, nose, ears, and brows | Attachments: Detail trimmer, ear/nose trimmer, reciprocating head, two position guide comb

Why We Recommend It

Wahl has long been a trusted name in the grooming world, and their Ear, Nose, & Brow Trimmer Clipper lives up to the hype. This versatile trimmer has three head designs—a rotary head for nose and ear hair, a detailer attachment for cleaning up necklines and sideburns, and a precision head for small areas like eyebrows.

We liked the grippy handle and comfortable hold while in use. The stainless steel blades are sharp and cut through hair quickly and easily. The easy-clean design means you can remove the head and rinse it under water to remove hair and debris. Overall, this trimmer was a winner.

Keep in Mind

The detail trimmer attachment was a bit hard to remove during tests.

  • Improve Your Breathing and Clean Up Your Nostrils With These Editor-Tested Nose Hair Trimmers (28)

  • Improve Your Breathing and Clean Up Your Nostrils With These Editor-Tested Nose Hair Trimmers (29)

  • Improve Your Breathing and Clean Up Your Nostrils With These Editor-Tested Nose Hair Trimmers (30)

  • Improve Your Breathing and Clean Up Your Nostrils With These Editor-Tested Nose Hair Trimmers (31)

  • Improve Your Breathing and Clean Up Your Nostrils With These Editor-Tested Nose Hair Trimmers (32)

  • Improve Your Breathing and Clean Up Your Nostrils With These Editor-Tested Nose Hair Trimmers (33)

Pros

  • Multi-purpose design

  • Side-mounted steel blades

  • LED spotlight

Cons

  • Not waterproof

  • Doesn't have attachment heads

Key Specs:

Type: Battery | Wet and Dry: No | Battery Life: Up to 60 minutes | Safe For: Face, nose, ears, and brows | Attachments: Brow comb

Why We Recommend It

Sometimes, it's hard to see those pesky, fine hairs—but not with the MicroTouch Titanium MAX Lighted Personal Trimmer. This device has a built-in LED spotlight that illuminates your hair, so you won't miss a single strand when trimming. The side-mounted steel blades make it easy to get a close cut, and the titanium coating helps prevent rusting and corrosion.

We loved its simplistic design and found it easy to use right out of the box. An ergonomic, non-slip grip provides comfortable handling and control. It uses an included AA battery and works well on nose hairs, brows, ears, sideburns, mustaches, and other unwanted facial hair.

Keep in Mind

It's not fully waterproof, so avoid using it in the shower.

How Often You Should Trim Your Nose Hairs

Trimming every two weeks should be enough to keep nose hair unnoticeable. Everyone is different, so trim when you feel it's unsightly. Don't trim too often or too much, says Wood, because your nose hairs are functional—they are little filters to help keep debris out of your nasal passages.

How We Tested the Nose Hair Trimmers

We bought and tested 15 nose hair trimmers for three main attributes: ease of use, cleaning, and comfort. To assess each ease of use, we used the product to trim unwanted hair and looked at how straightforward each trimmer was to clean. We evaluated how easy it was to remove the hair from the device and wash the trimming heads and other attachments. For comfort, we focused on whether each model caused irritation, redness, or discomfort during or after use. All our testing insights were utilized to determine our top recommendations.

Our Experts

To get professional input on the best nose hair trimmers, we also talked to experts:

  • Alpana Mohta, MBBS, MD, DNB, certified dermatologist and board member of Better Goods
  • Emily Wood, MD, board-certified dermatologist at Westlake Dermatology in Austin, Texas

Why Trust Verywell Health

Lindsay Modglin has written articles for Insider, Forbes, Everyday Health, and many more. As a nurse, she has a decade of clinical health and wellness experience. She holds a professional certificate in scientific writing from Stanford University, further helping her break down complex health concepts into easy-to-understand language. Her number-one priority is ensuring that readers have access to accurate and actionable information so they can make the best decisions for their health.

Improve Your Breathing and Clean Up Your Nostrils With These Editor-Tested Nose Hair Trimmers (2024)
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