Even the Most Stubborn Nose Hairs Are No Match for These Editor-Tested Electric Trimmers (2024)

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Even the Most Stubborn Nose Hairs Are No Match for These Editor-Tested Electric Trimmers (1)

Did you know that your nose hairs actually have some benefits? When an irritant enters our nose, it gets tangled up in the nose hair. This triggers nerve endings to send a signal to the brain, causing us to sneeze. Sneezing, in turn, helps remove the irritant and prevent it from entering our lungs. However, once the hair extends past the nostrils, there isn't much benefit. And, for aesthetic reasons, we may prefer to trim these hairs from time to time. According to Samuel Hetz, MD, physician, and Medical Director at Concept Medical, if you have very dense nose hair, you may notice an increase in air flow after trimming your nose hairs.

There are many ways to get rid of nose hair. You could use scissors, pluck them, wax them, tweeze them, or use a nose hair trimmer. According to Donna Brown, esthetician and owner of Sadona Salon and Spa, it is not ideal to pull out nose hair due to the delicate mucous membrane tissue. Brown recommends using a high-quality nose hair trimmer instead. To find the best nose hair trimmers, we tested 15 popular models for effectiveness, comfort, ease of cleaning, extra features, cost, and more. A board-certified otolaryngologist on our Medical Expert Board also reviewed this article for medical and scientific accuracy regarding what to look for in nose hair trimmers, their safety, and other methods of removing nose hair.

Types of Nose Hair Trimmers

There are different types of nose hair trimmers available, each designed to provide a comfortable and effective way to trim unwanted nasal hair. You can choose from simple manual options to versatile electric models with added features for a customized grooming experience.

Manual Trimmers: Operate like small scissors, requiring no batteries, offering portability but demanding careful use.
Electric Rotary Trimmers: Use a rotary blade system powered by batteries for efficient, easy nasal hair cutting.
Electric Side Trimmers: Feature side-moving blades for precise trimming, and are also battery-operated.
Vacuum Trimmers: Combine cutting with a vacuum feature to collect trimmings, enhancing cleanliness and convenience.
Multifunctional Trimmers: Offer attachments for nose, ear, and other grooming needs, ideal for an all-in-one solution.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Philips Norelco Nose Trimmer 5000 at Amazon ($20)

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Best Nose & Ear:

MANSCAPED Nose and Ear Hair Trimmer at Amazon ($35)

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Easiest to Use:

Panasonic Wet/Dry Nose Hair Trimmer at Amazon ($25)

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Best Budget:

Wahl Lithium Men’s Trimmer at Target ($15)

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Best for Travel:

Conair MAN Ear/Nose Trimmer at Amazon ($16)

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Best Compact:

Panasonic Nose Hair Trimmer at Amazon ($27)

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Best Multi-Use:

Wahl Ear, Nose, & Brow Trimmer at Amazon ($15)

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Best with Light:

MicroTouch Lighted Personal Trimmer at Amazon ($13)

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Best Overall

Philips Norelco Nose Trimmer 5000

Why We Like It

As soon as you open the box, there’s a battery included so you can get Philips Norelco’s Nose Trimmer up and running in a matter of minutes. Our tester has sensitive skin, but they liked how this nose hair trimmer didn’t pull, snag, or cut the skin in any way. This is thanks to the dual-sided blades on Philips Norelco’s nose trimmer.

There are five different attachments so you can use this trimmer on your ears and eyebrows—as well as your nose. The trimmer, attachments, and combs are water resistant, making them easy to clean. Simply run them under warm water to do so. There’s even a small cleaning brush included, helping to dislodge any hair that doesn’t get removed by water.

And what’s more—you get a carrying case with this item in case you want to take it with you while you travel. A two-year warranty is also included, and our tester noted that the instructions are easy to follow.

It’s Worth Noting

The battery isn’t rechargeable so will need replacing when it runs out.

Product Details:

Rotary or Slide Cutter: Both
Materials: Alloy steel
Cleaning: Run under warm water
Extra features: Pouch and two eyebrow guards included

Best Nose & Ear

MANSCAPED Nose and Ear Hair Trimmer

View On Amazon$35

Why We Like It

We were impressed by nearly everything when it came to MANSCAPED’s The Weed Whacker, but especially the contoured 23-degree design of this nose trimmer. This makes it easy to hold, even if mobility or flexibility is a concern for you. This design also means that it enables more precise hair trimming, too.

Because it’s waterproof, it can be used inside or outside of the shower. Our tester noted how easy it was to remove and clean the attachment under water. A small cleaning brush is also included.

We like that the battery on this nose hair trimmer is rechargeable. You can even replace the rotary blade with a new one if you wish to change it at any point (replacement blades are sold separately).

“This product is very well packaged and straightforward to use, clean, and charge. The included directions are clear, brief, and illustrative. The trimmer itself is very lightweight and slightly curved at the handle so it sits nicely in your hand while using,” said our tester. However, its price could be a turnoff for those who prefer a budget buy.

It’s Worth Noting

It’s the most expensive nose hair trimmer on our list.

Product Details:

Rotary or Slide Cutter: Rotary
Materials: Stainless steel
Cleaning: Run under warm water
Extra features: Can be used wet or dry, rotary cutter can be replaced if required, 360-degree rotary blade system

Easiest to Use

Panasonic Wet/Dry Nose Hair Trimmer

View On Amazon$25 View On Walmart$27 View On Best Buy$16

Why We Like It

While some nose trimmers can be messy and loud, that’s not the case with Panasonic’s Nose Ear Hair Trimmer. In testing, we found that the trimmer caught most of the hair and that it was especially quiet for a nose hair trimmer. We also appreciated the unique cleaning mode on this trimmer—simply turn it to cleaning mode, immerse it in water, turn it on, and your hair stubble will be gone in seconds.

The instructions were easy to follow, and our tester was in no pain during use. You even get a protective clipper cap so the blade isn’t left exposed when you’re not using it. We liked that it’s waterproof so you can trim your hair inside or outside of the shower. It’s a little bit on the higher end of pricing, but we think it’s worth it since it’s a slimline design and has dual-edge blades for precise trimming.

It’s Worth Noting

You’ll need a battery on hand because it’s not included with this purchase.

Product Details:

Rotary or Slide Cutter: Rotary
Materials: Stainless steel
Cleaning: Run under warm water (trimmer has a special cleaning mode to make cleaning quick and easy)
Extra features: Can be used wet or dry, protective nose clipper cap and cleaning brush are included

Best Budget

Wahl Lithium Men’s Trimmer

View On Target$15 View On Walmart$13 View On Riteaid.com$22

Why We Like It

Proving that high-quality products can come at inexpensive prices, Wahl’s Wet/Dry Men’s Trimmer gets the job done in a budget-friendly way. It surprised us in testing because even though it’s inexpensive, it was still easy to use and didn’t pull or yank hair during use. Because the battery is included in the box, we were able to use this nose trimmer straight away. It literally took minutes to open and set up.

We liked how easy and self-explanatory everything was, and it’s waterproof so can be used inside or outside of the shower. There are two attachments provided, and we especially appreciated the detail attachment. “I felt like I was in control because the trimmer looked like a comb, so I could see exactly how far it was going in,” our tester said.

Simply put? Although there are no extra features as seen with other items on our list, Wahl’s Wet/Dry Men’s Trimmer is a reliable and trustworthy nose hair trimmer.

It’s Worth Noting

It’s more basic than other options on our list, which means it doesn’t have any extra features.

Product Details:

Rotary or Slide Cutter: Both
Materials: Stainless steel
Cleaning: Run under warm water
Extra features: Can be used wet or dry, eyebrow comb included

Best for Travel

Conair MAN Ear/Nose Trimmer

View On Amazon$16 View On Walmart$16 View On Ulta$20

Why We Like It

For travel, you want a nose hair trimmer that’s lightweight and compact, and that’s definitely something you get with Conair’s Man Ear/Nose Trimmer. This nose trimmer is easy to set up and fits well in your hand, too. Our tester noted that it was easy to switch attachments and that it doesn’t hurt while trimming your nose hair. We also appreciated the 360 bevel cutting system, which cuts cleanly and evenly through all types of hair.

Even though the attachments are water resistant, the handle is not and it can’t be immersed in water. Our only complaint is that it’s noisier than other options on our list. Our tester mentioned, “The only thing I dislike about this is the noise level, but I think this unit is so efficient that you aren't running it for long.”

That said, we liked everything else about this nose hair trimmer enough to recommend it as the best of its type. It needs one AA battery to operate, which isn’t included in the package.

It’s Worth Noting

It’s a little noisier than other nose hair trimmers.

Product Details:

Rotary or Slide Cutter: Both
Materials: Not listed
Cleaning: Attachments can be cleaned with warm water, but the handle can’t be immersed in water
Extra features: Compact design, 360 bevel cutting system, storage pouch included

Best Compact

Panasonic Nose Hair Trimmer

View On Amazon$27

Why We Like It

Weighing less than 4 ounces, we like how lightweight and compact this nose hair trimmer is. Our tester noticed that there wasn’t a lot of hair in the filter after using it, and this is largely due to the micro-vacuum system which collects hair for easy cleanup and less mess during use. You’re able to use this nose hair trimmer wet or dry, and the ergonomic design means that it’s both easy to hold and could even be beneficial for those with grip or mobility issues.

Similar to Panasonics’ Nose Ear Hair Trimmer, there’s a unique cleaning system that makes cleaning simple to do. The only downside is that it only offers a rotary cutter, whereas other options on this list have both rotary and detail attachments. Otherwise, our tester mentioned that it didn’t pull the hair during use, and you even get a protective cap and carry case with this purchase.

It’s Worth Noting

It only comes with one rotary cutter, whereas some other nose hair trimmers have different attachments for various needs.

Product Details:

Rotary or Slide Cutter: Rotary
Materials: Stainless steel
Cleaning: Run under warm water (trimmer has a special cleaning mode to make cleaning quick and easy)
Extra features: Can be used wet or dry, ergonomic design, cleaning brush included

Best Multi-Use

Wahl Ear, Nose, & Brow Trimmer

View On Amazon$15 View On Walmart$10 View On Wahlusa.com

Why We Like It

Wahl’s Ear, Nose, & Brow Trimmer Clipper earned our pick for the best multi-use nose hair trimmer because it has three different heads for all your needs. The detail head can be used for necklines, sideburns, eyebrows, and ears. The reciprocating head can be used for detailing and edging. And the rotary head is great for nose and ear hair trimming. Our tester did mention, however, “The only issue is the attachment for the brow/sideburn is a little tricky to insert and if you do not do it correctly it will not turn on.”

When your nose hairs get too long, you may be tempted to cut them with scissors, but you could hurt yourself by doing this. Our tester, who has been skeptical about trimmers hurting in the past, was impressed with this nose trimmer. There was no pulling of the hairs while they used it, and we especially appreciated the budget-friendly price point (it’s one of the lowest on this list).

If you're looking for a more affordable alternative to pricey nose hair trimmers, Wahl’s nose hair trimmer has the right combination of attachments and extras for your needs. Simply insert the included AA battery and you’ll be trimming in minutes.

It’s Worth Noting

The detail trimmer is tricky to insert and will not work if not done properly.

Product Details:

Rotary or Slide Cutter: Both
Materials: Stainless steel
Cleaning: Run under warm water
Extra features: Can be used wet or dry, two-position guide comb included for short to medium trimming

Best with Light

MicroTouch Lighted Personal Trimmer

View On Amazon$13 View On Walgreens$15 View On Microtouchgroom.com

Why We Like It

We chose MicroTouch’s Lighted Personal Trimmer as our best nose hair trimmer with a light. Our tester was surprised that this nose hair trimmer doesn’t cost more given how versatile it is. While some nose hair trimmers can only be used on the nose, this one can be used on necklines, sideburns, eyebrows, ears, and of course, the nose.

Our tester noticed that this nose trimmer was easy to figure out. Even though an instruction manual is included, it wasn’t needed. We did find that cleaning it (compared to other trimmers) was more difficult to do. “You have to brush quite a few times to get the hairs to come out, but when running it under water it is much easier,” said our tester.

All in all, this nose hair trimmer comes at a budget-friendly price point and works well in the sense that it didn’t tickle or make the tester feel uncomfortable during use. There’s even a non-slip rubber grip, making it easy to hold, and of course, the light helps with those hard-to-reach places.

It’s Worth Noting

There’s no rotary cutter so if this is what you’re used to or prefer, it may not be the right option for you.

Product Details:

Rotary or Slide Cutter: Slide
Power source: One AA battery (included)
Cleaning: Use the cleaning brush provided but do not immerse the handle in water
Extra features: Non-slip rubber grip, features a built-in light

Our Testing Process

The Health team tested 15 of the most popular nose hair trimmers to evaluate their effectiveness in trimming hair, assessing comfort and pain level during use, and determining their ease of cleaning and maintenance. We rated each nose hair trimmer on the following attributes:

Ease of use: How easy the manufacturer’s instructions were to understand, if there was a learning curve, and how long the battery lasts per use, and in total.
Cleaning: Whether a simple rinse was sufficient or if cleaning required more effort, is disassembly necessary for cleaning, and should the trimmer be charged after every wash.
Comfort: How quickly it produces visible results per nostril, its noise level if battery-operated, any necessary setup before use, its suitability for wet or dry use, comfort during use, and the sensation in the nostril after use.

The Experts

We also spoke with two experts to discuss what to look for when selecting nose hair trimmers. The experts we spoke to included:

Samuel Hetz, MD, Physician and Medical Director at Concept Medical
Donna Brown, Esthetician and owner of Sadona Salon and Spa

What to Know About Nose Hair Trimmers

How To Use a Nose Hair Trimmer Painlessly

Electric nose trimmers are safe to use, but you should always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines. Also, if it’s the first time you’re trimming your nose hair, we recommend that you go slow. The feeling of your nose hair being trimmed may take some getting used to. Also, it’s recommended to use a high-quality nose trimmer that is designed not to hurt.

“If you’re worried about the density of the nose hair, try cleaning up first with a pair of rounded scissors, then proceed with the electrical trimmer,” says Dr. Hetz. This is especially important if it’s the first time you’re doing it, or if you haven’t trimmed your nose hair in a long time.

If trimming your nose hair becomes too painful, stop and try again the next day. This may also be a sign that you’re trying to get rid of too much hair, which isn’t recommended. It could also be a sign that your nose trimmer needs replacing because the blades aren’t working as they should.

How to Clean a Nose Hair Trimmer

Every nose trimmer is different, so the cleaning process depends on the one you purchase. Some are waterproof, so you can rinse off the handle and attachments while you’re in the shower or at the sink. With others, the attachments are waterproof, but the handle isn’t, so you’ll need to take off the attachments and ensure that they aren’t immersed in water. If it is, it could damage the nose hair trimmer. A cleaning brush is often provided, too, which can help to dislodge any hairs that don’t come off easily with water.

We recommend giving your nose hair trimmer a deeper clean from time to time. “A good household product for disinfecting your materials is rubbing alcohol, which you can put on a cotton ball and rub on the tip of the trimmer,” Dr. Hetz says. This could be every few months depending on how often you use it.

Effectiveness and Comfort

When it comes to effectiveness and comfort, your main concern should be a pain-free trim. All the options were selected during testing because they offered a pain-free experience. If the same applies to you, ensure that you’re following the manufacturer’s instructions and try not to trim too much hair at a time. If you’ve had your nose hair trimmer for a long time, the blades may get dull, so consider replacing the trimmer altogether.

Other Uses for Nose Hair Trimmers

Although some nose hair trimmers only have one attachment for the nose or ears, others have multiple attachments for various uses. For example, some trimmers can be used on long eyebrow hairs, sideburns, necklines, beards, or even mustaches. Take a look at each option and think about whether it’ll work for you or not. Of course, every individual is different.

Extra Features and Attachments

A basic and budget-friendly nose hair trimmer, such as Wahl’s Wet/Dry Men’s Trimmer, may be all you need. Even though it’s inexpensive, it’s still reliable and trustworthy. However, if you want more than this, you can get nose hair trimmers with extra features or attachments. These include (but aren’t limited to) rechargeable batteries, ergonomic or contoured designs, lights, multiple attachments for the nose, ears, and eyebrows, and even a special cleaning mode to make cleaning a breeze.

More Nose Hair Trimmers to Consider

While not all of the nose hair trimmers we tested made it onto our list, these still may be of interest to you.

Zorami Ear and Nose Hair Trimmer Clipper: Although this nose hair trimmer can be used for multi-use, our tester found it didn’t work well enough when it came to trimming the nose hairs. There wasn’t a noticeable difference before and after using it. Plus, at its price point, it’s not very budget-friendly.
Remington Nose, Ear & Detail Trimmer at Amazon: This nose hair trimmer offers great value, and is one of the least expensive items we tested. But, we found that the product was challenging to use because it wasn’t obvious where the attachments go. Also, it was especially loud for a nose hair trimmer.
ToiletTree Products ToiletTree Steel Nose Trimmer at Amazon: Our tester ranked this product as easy to use, but found that it pulled and yanked nose hair, which made it more uncomfortable compared with other brands.

Who We Are

As a qualified personal trainer and health and fitness writer, Ravi Davda understands how important quality product recommendations can be. He recommends products that are reliable, comfortable, and genuinely well-reviewed by those who’ve tried them.