The dreaded nose and ear hair… As we age we all need to deal with this problem. Ironically, as many of us lose hair on our heads, we tend to grow it in our noses and ears. So here is our guide to getting rid of nose and ear hair.

Scientific American explains: “Drastic changes take place in the length of the growing stage when follicles are under the influence of testosterone. In men, during puberty, as testosterone levels increase, small hairs on the face, underarms, chest, legs, arms and pubic area turn into large hairs that remain in anagen for longer periods. (Since women don't make much testosterone, the hormone doesn't have as much of an effect on their hair follicles.) To the consternation of most men, later in life, follicles in the nose and ear become sensitive to testosterone and also enlarge, thus yielding large hairs. Paradoxically, hair follicles on the scalp of genetically predisposed men respond in the opposite manner: they miniaturize and spend less time in anagen, which leads to baldness.”

There comes a point in every man’s life when you just have to acknowledge the problem and attack it heads on. What’s more embarrassing than admitting the problem? Not admitting it and walking around with a jungle growing out of your nose. So here is a quick guide for taming that unseemly growth.

Nose Hair Scissors

If you decide to trim your nose or ear hairs with scissors, choose ones that are specialized for this purpose (they have smooth rounded edges.) Regular nail scissors will do the trick, but you would risk injuring the sensitive skin around your nostrils, opening the way to bacteria and infection.  Avoid inserting scissors into your ear. One wrong move and you can severely injure your eardrum.

Scissors are a great option for grooming nose and ear hair. They are cheap, easy to use, and the results are great.

Trimmer

There are manual or battery operated trimmers for getting rid of nose and ear hair. This gadget requires a bit getting used to, but the results are fantastic. The only downside, much like scissors, the hair tends to grow back in an alarming rate, so you really need to commit to doing it regularly.

Waxing

The area around your nostrils is extremely sensitive. Waxing can be curse-inducing painful but provides longer lasting results so you don’t have to tend to these pesky strands regularly. If you do choose to wax your nose and ear hair, don’t attempt to DIY and go to a professional salon instead.

Results should last about a month. After any waxing, we recommend hydrating the area around your nostrils (not in them) with our moisturizer for men, which include charcoal for men's skin. Infused with Argan Oil, our moisturizer will calm the waxed skin and provide a cooling effect. Try our men's facial mask and the best facial cleanser for men as well!

Tweezers

Tweezing is definitely not for everyone. If you think waxing is painful, tweezing is in a pain league of its own. Tweezing can also irritate the nostril area. It can puncture your ear drum if you try to use it in your ear. Overall, not a great idea. I would recommend using tweezers if you have only one or two annoying whiskers that are easily plucked.

Laser Hair Removal

The last option is by far the most expensive one, but also the long lasting one. Many laser hair removal providers now offer treatments for getting rid of nose and ear hair. Typically, you need  2-4 sessions to permanently reduce the amount of nasal hair and ear hair.

For more shaving advice, check out our guide to the perfect shave, and check out our shaving cream and shaving brush. If you have a long beard or cool mustache style, be sure to check out our beard conditioner.