Why Do We Have Nose Hair Anyway?
I know, nose hair isn’t exactly something we like to think about. But those wiry little hairs poking out of your nostrils actually serve an important purpose. Nose hair acts as a filter to trap dust, pollen, and other particles before they enter your respiratory system. The hair also keeps your nostrils moist and regulates airflow. So while nose hair is useful, let’s be real – you probably want to tame it for cosmetic reasons. Excessively long or thick nose hairs can be unsightly. Or maybe they’re even tickling and irritating your nose. Luckily, you have options for grooming nose hair without going overboard. But more on that next!Nose Hair Removal Methods
There are a few different ways to remove nose hair, each with their pros and cons:Trimming
This is the safest and most conservative option. You can use small, rounded scissors designed specifically for nose hair trimming. There are also electric trimmers made for nose and ear hair removal. Trimming has little risk of injury and is painless. But it only cuts the hair, so regrowth happens quickly. Plan to trim your nose hairs every 2-4 weeks.Plucking
You can tweeze out individual nose hairs with a good pair of slant-tipped tweezers. Avoid plucking hairs too far inside your nostrils – stick to the outer area you can easily see. Plucking removes the entire hair follicle, so it lasts longer than trimming. But ouch, it can be painful! It also takes time to tweeze hair-by-hair.Waxing
Waxing kits designed specifically for the nose are available for home use. The wax removes multiple hairs at once, from the root. Regrowth is slower than with trimming or plucking. But waxing can be uncomfortable. Go slowly your first time. And take care not to wax too far up inside your nostrils.Laser Removal
This in-office treatment uses laser energy to damage the hair follicle and prevent regrowth. It takes several sessions for more permanent reduction in nose hair. Lasers work best on people with light skin and dark, coarse hair. It’s an expensive option, but leads to long-lasting results.DIY Nose Waxing At Home
Now if you want to wax your own nose hair, I’ve got all the steps you need. Let’s go over how to prep, proper technique, and aftercare.Pre-Wax Prep
Before waxing, be sure to: – Cleanse the area well with an antibacterial wash. Good hygiene prevents infection. – Make sure hairs are long enough for the wax to adhere – at least 1/4 inch. Don’t trim for 3-4 weeks beforehand. – Prepare the wax according to package directions. It should be just warm, not hot! Test on your wrist. – Have cloth strips, petroleum jelly, and wax remover on hand.Step-By-Step Waxing
DIY nose waxing takes precision. Follow these steps closely: – Apply a thin, even layer of wax only to hairs along the lower inside rim of your nostrils. Don’t go up too far! – Smooth a cloth strip over the wax, spreading it evenly. Rub it in the direction of hair growth. – Hold skin taut. In one quick motion, pull the strip off opposite hair growth. – Repeat on the other nostril. Tweeze out any stray hairs the wax missed. – Apply petroleum jelly inside nostrils to soothe skin. Use wax remover to get rid of residue.Post-Wax Care
To avoid problems, be diligent about aftercare: – Keep the area clean and dry. Rinse with antibacterial soap and pat dry. – Dab on hydrocortisone cream if skin is irritated. Don’t pick at skin – it can cause ingrown hairs. – Hairs may take 2-3 weeks to peek through again. Exfoliate regularly to prevent ingrown hairs.What To Expect With Regrowth
Once you start grooming your nose hair, you’ll have to keep up with maintenance. Here’s what to expect: – Trimmed hairs regrow quickly, so you’ll need to trim often – up to twice a week. – With plucking or waxing, regrowth takes 2-3 weeks. Slow new growth keeps you hair-free longer. – Consistent waxing over time damages hair follicles, leading to finer, slower regrowth. – After 4-6 laser removal treatments, most people enjoy a permanent or long-term reduction in nose hair. So in summary, regular trimming or the occasional plucking provides temporary results. For more lasting smooth nostrils, waxing and laser treatments are better options.Are There Risks To Nose Hair Removal?
Like any grooming ritual, removing nose hair isn’t totally without risk. Here’s what to keep in mind: – Cutting hair with scissors poses danger – one slip could cause injury inside the sensitive nostril. – Plucking can damage follicles, causing ingrown hairs and infection. Go slowly and limit to stray hairs only. – Waxing improperly risks burning nostrils or removing hair too far up inside. Seek professional help first. – Lasers can cause scarring and discoloration. Consult an experienced dermatologist. Overall, be very careful putting anything sharp near your nostrils. Only tweeze and wax outer area you can easily see. And seriously consider getting pro help instead of DIY for waxing.Can Organic Wax and Sugaring be Used for DIY Nose Waxing?
Yes, organic wax and sugaring can be used for DIY nose waxing. These natural hair removal methods are gentle on the skin and can effectively remove unwanted nose hair. Make sure to follow the instructions carefully to ensure a safe and successful waxing experience.