Waxing your bikini line? Absolutely. Legs? Go for it. But what about spreading wax inside your nostrils to remove all your nose hairs? Evidently, an increasing number of individuals are doing precisely that. “Nose hair waxing is extremely popular and one of our most requested services by both males and females,” states Gina Petak, education manager for European Wax Center.

While there’s something undeniably gratifying about the notion of ultra-smooth, hairless nostrils, is nose hair waxing a sensible idea? Ahead, experts provide insights on all the necessary information before you opt to wax the inside of your nose.

(Just saying: Ultimately, it’s entirely up to you whether you choose to remove body hair, but you shouldn’t feel obligated to do so due to society’s “beauty standards.” Discover what persuaded one Shape editor against laser hair removal for her pubic hair.)

Your Nasal Hairs Have a Purpose

Before considering their removal, it’s crucial to bear in mind that the hairs inside your nose serve a purpose. “Nasal hairs are exceptionally important for the respiratory system,” explains Purvisha Patel, M.D., a certified dermatologist and founder of Visha Skincare. They act as the initial line of defense in filtering the air you breathe, functioning as a physical barrier against both larger debris particles and microbes, she adds.

In short, your nasal hairs play a significant role in safeguarding your respiratory system. Removing them exposes you to the risk of not only nasal inflammation—signs of which include itching, burning, and sneezing—but also lung irritation, according to Dr. Patel. (Also worth exploring: Air purifiers that aid in filtering allergens from your home.)

So, Is Nose Hair Waxing Acceptable?

Dr. Patel advises against nose hair waxing and suggests that trimming any undesirable nose hairs is a much safer alternative. Simply use a pair of small cuticle or eyebrow scissors to snip the visible tips of the hairs protruding below your nostrils. Give Tweezerman Facial Hair Scissors a try (Buy It, $14, amazon.com), as reviewers claim they effectively take care of stubborn hairs that may be visibly present and also have rounded tips for safety.

If You’d Prefer to Trim More Than a Couple of Hairs or Address Ones Deeper Inside Your Nostril

If you’d like to shorten more than a couple of hairs or tend to those deeper within your nostril, electric trimmers can be a viable alternative; they’re secure and can even be simpler to handle than scissors, says Dr. Patel. Try TOUCHBeauty Hair Trimmer (Purchase It, $13, amazon.com). (

That being mentioned, both Patek and Dr. Patel concur that, if you do want to proceed with nose hair waxing, this is one hair removal service you might want to leave to the experts. Why shouldn’t you do it yourself? The nose is a prime spot for bacteria in the body. Waxing, if executed incorrectly, can frequently lead to a removal of not just the hairs but also some of the skin. This creates open wounds or ulcerations, which can subsequently become infected by the bacteria that are already living in your nose, explains Dr. Patel.

Experts, on the other hand, are trained to both apply and remove the wax properly — as well as evaluate the temperature of the wax — in order to safely and effectively eliminate nose hairs without harming the skin, says Patek.(

If You Still Plan to Go Through with It, Pay Attention

One more time, for the people in the back: Do not do it yourself. While there are plenty of at-home nose wax kits available, seeking assistance from a professional will certainly produce the best outcomes (and, more importantly, is the safest option). Everything from the kind of wax used to the temperature of the wax to the actual waxing technique all plays a role, notes Petak. There are simply too many factors for the average individual to be able to master with an at-home product, especially when there is a very real risk of potential infection, she adds. (However, if you’re looking to remove hair from other parts of your body, check out these best at-home wax strips.)

It should (hopefully) go without saying, but you never want to wax skin that’s irritated, so if you have a runny nose or any type of irritation in your nostrils, hold off on booking a waxing appointment, advises Petak. In order to minimize the risk of infection, Dr. Patel suggests cleansing your nostrils — both before and after waxing — with antibacterial soap, lathering it up, and wiping it around the nostrils with a washcloth or cotton swab. To minimize the likelihood of any inflammation or irritation, apply a very thin layer of Vaseline Original Petroleum Jelly (Purchase It, $4, amazon.com) on the inside of the nostrils after waxing, adds Dr.

Patel.

Most individuals can typically go anywhere from two to four weeks in between appointments for waxing their nose hair, according to Petak. If you intend to engage in this practice on a regular basis, the positive aspect is that the hair will become thinner over time, resulting in a more comfortable experience during each visit, she elaborates. (The hair’s thickness and coarseness directly correlates with the level of pain experienced during removal, as more force is required to extract it from the root.)

Too Long; Didn’t Read (TL;DR) — Nose hair can be bothersome but serves a (very) significant purpose, so you may want to reconsider before opting for waxing. Nevertheless, if you truly desire ultra-smooth nostrils, the best and safest option is to consult a professional who specializes in expert-level nose hair removal through waxing.

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