The Best Nose Hair Trimmers (and How to Use One Without Wincing)

A good nose hair trimmer takes about 30 seconds and doesn't hurt. For most people the Panasonic ER-GN30 is the one to get: sharp, washable and simple. If you're nervous about blades near your nostrils, the guarded Philips is the gentlest place to start. Our picks are based on manufacturer specs, retailer listings and verified reviews.

Trim, don't pluck

Nose hair isn't just cosmetic. It helps filter dust and particles out of the air you breathe, so the goal is to tidy what's visible, not clear out the whole nostril. Doctors also advise against plucking or waxing nose hair, because pulling hairs out of the follicle can lead to ingrown hairs or infection inside the nose. A trimmer cuts the hair instead, which is quicker and far more comfortable. If you get a sore, swollen or red bump inside your nose that doesn't go away, see a doctor.

How to choose a nose hair trimmer

• A guarded or rotary head: look for blades hidden behind a guard or a slotted rotary head, so they cut hair without touching skin. That's what makes trimming painless.
• Washable or waterproof: you're putting it in your nose, so you'll want to rinse it. A fully washable trimmer is much easier to keep clean than one where only the head comes off.
• Battery or rechargeable: AA and AAA trimmers are cheap and travel well. Rechargeable ones save buying batteries but cost more up front.
• Extras: brow combs and detail heads are handy if you'll use them. If you only care about your nose, skip the kit and save money.

The best nose hair trimmers

Best overall

Panasonic ER-GN30 Nose, Ear and Facial Hair Trimmer

For men (works for anyone)

Best for Most people who just want nose hair gone, quickly and painlessly

A simple, well-made trimmer with dual-edge stainless steel blades and a curved head that reaches inside the nostril. It's wet/dry and fully washable, and its vortex cleaning system spins water through the head to rinse out clippings. It runs on one AA battery.

Why we like it

• Dual-edge blades cut on the way in and on the way out
• Wet/dry and fully washable
• Easy rinse-out cleaning

Worth knowing

• AA battery not included
• No attachments for brows or beard

Check price on Amazon

The ER-GN30 does one job well. The slightly curved head gets into the nostril without poking, and you can rinse the whole thing under the tap when you're done. Not for you if you want brow or beard attachments in the same tool.

Best for beginners

Philips Norelco Nose Trimmer 5000

For men (works for anyone)

Best for Nervous first-timers who want a guarded blade, plus brow tools

Philips puts a protective guard between your skin and the dual-sided steel blades, which makes this one of the least scary trimmers to use. The kit adds a detail trimmer and eyebrow combs, and it's fully washable.

Why we like it

• Protective guard system over the blades
• Detail trimmer and eyebrow combs included
• Fully washable

Worth knowing

• Battery type differs between versions of this kit, so check the listing
• Extra pieces you won't use if you only trim your nose

Check price on Amazon

If the idea of a spinning blade near your nose makes you flinch, start here. Philips' guard sits between your skin and the blades. Not for you if you want a single no-frills tool: you're paying for brow combs and a detail trimmer too.

Best rechargeable

Manscaped Weed Whacker 2.0

For men (works for anyone)

Best for People who want rechargeable and fully waterproof

A rechargeable nose and ear trimmer with a 360-degree rotary dual-blade head and a replaceable stainless steel blade. It's waterproof, so you can use it in the shower and rinse it clean.

Why we like it

• Rechargeable, no batteries to buy
• Waterproof, use it wet or dry
• Replaceable blade

Worth knowing

• Costs more than battery trimmers
• Charging details differ between listings, so check the box

Check price on Amazon

The Weed Whacker is the pick if you're tired of buying batteries and want something you can use in the shower. Not for you if you're on a budget: the battery picks here cut just as well for less.

Best budget

Wahl Micro GroomsMan Pen Trimmer

For men (works for anyone)

Best for A cheap, pocket-size trimmer for travel or a gym bag

A pen-size trimmer that runs on a single AAA battery. It comes with a rotary head for nose and ears and a detail head for brows and beard edges, and the heads come off to rinse.

Why we like it

• Very affordable
• Tiny, travel-friendly size
• Rotary and detail heads included

Worth knowing

• Feels less substantial in the hand
• Not marketed as waterproof, so rinse only the heads
• Several versions are sold, so check which one you're getting

Check price on Amazon

Small enough to live in a toiletry bag, and cheap enough to buy a spare. Not for you if you want a sturdy, full-size trimmer for daily use.

How to trim nose hair the right way

1. Blow your nose first. It clears the way and keeps the trimmer cleaner.
2. Use good light and a mirror. You only need to trim the hairs you can see.
3. Insert the tip gently, just inside the nostril. Don't push it deep. Move it in small circles.
4. Go slowly. Let the trimmer catch the hair. Pushing harder doesn't cut faster.
5. Clean it every time. Rinse the head, or the whole trimmer if it's washable, and let it dry before you put it away.

Trimming your nose is usually part of a bigger routine. If you're also keeping a beard in shape, see our best beard trimmers. For a clean-shaven face, start with our best electric shavers.

FAQ

Is it bad to pluck nose hair?

Doctors generally advise against it. Pulling nose hairs out can cause ingrown hairs and infection inside the nose. Trimming with scissors made for the nose or with an electric trimmer is the safer choice.

How often should I trim my nose hair?

Whenever you can see hairs poking out. For many people that's every week or two, but it varies a lot from person to person.

Can I use a nose hair trimmer on my ears and eyebrows?

All four picks are sold as nose and ear trimmers. Only trim the hair you can see, and never push the trimmer into the ear canal. For brows, a trimmer with an eyebrow comb, like the Philips Nose Trimmer 5000, makes it easier to keep an even length.

Does trimming nose hair make it grow back thicker?

No. Trimming cuts the hair at its blunt end, so regrowth can feel coarser, but it doesn't change how many hairs you have or how fast they grow.