Why plucking your nose hairs with your fingers can cause death

There’s a certain population of guys out there who take care of their nose hairs with their two fingers.

They yank, they pull, their eyes water, but there’s immediate satisfaction. And then there’s a few who let it grow until it’s long enough to French braid. For the rest of us humans, nose hair growth becomes something to fear, as it’s not only embarrassing but signals poor hygiene. However you may look at it, a certain outgrowth of nose hairs hanging from one’s nostril is really unattractive. Those small sheers of spiked hairs that prick from the gaping hole is distracting.

So why do you have thick growth of nose hairs all of a sudden? It has all to do with your hormones. During childhood, your nose or ear hairs are called “vellus hairs” and are unnoticeable and thin. Once you get a little older, your hormones awaken them to grow faster, thicker and darker to better trap bacteria, viruses and fungi from getting into your system. The growth also pricks and pokes you, making for an itchy experience.

Before you go to your bathroom and decide to pluck those hairs with your thumb and pointy finger, beware. Doing so could actually cause death. Say what? Turns out that plucking them the old fashioned way could lead to infection that can make its way to your brain. Breaking your skin with your filthy hands that have been all over can cause an overgrowth of bacteria that can spread and become sepsis. In the rare occasion, it can cause some serious damage.

Okay, so we just took a dark turn. What can you do instead? Below, we’ve rounded out the best tools to chop your nose hairs in a sanitary and even more efficient manner. Here are the best we’ve come across.

(Photo courtesy Instagram.com/gret_chen_chen)

Rounded Scissors

If you’re old school and want to trim your nose hairs yourself, try getting a pair of rounded scissors. It’s very important to buy a pair of rounded sheers, as it’s your nose and any wrong move could lead to puncturing yourself. Rounded sheers prevents any accidents. With these scissors, simply insert into each nostril from a 45-degree angle and slowly trim your hairs. You’ll want to start slow but once you get the hang of it, you can start going at it. After, take a piece of tissue and insert into your nostrils to ensure you get rid of any residue or leftover hairs.

We recommend getting scissors that are stainless steel. Many are nickel-plated, like this one from Tweezerman, but it’ll rust with water. That means that yes, the moisture from your very nostrils can cause rust as well.

We like this one from LIVINGO on Amazon. It’s only $10, is stainless steel, rounded sheers and an amazing price.

BUY LIVINGO HERE

, $9.99

Electric devices

If you’re lazy and in need of a trimmer that’s easy to use and also quick, try these three electric nose hair trimmers. We’ve found that each is pretty effective – and affordable (seriously, no need to spend a fortune on things like nose hair trimmers, lol). Here’s what’s best, below.

Best design

This battery powered device means that you don’t need any extra charging cord. It’s a little extra in that it comes with 6 pieces, but the others are for eyebrows and your ears as well. For under $13, this is a steal.

BUY PHILIPS NORELCO, HERE

, $12.95

Best travel device

This “no pull” trimmer comes in a diamond blade and ensures that you get a precision cut every time. From Conair Man, the brand best known for flatirons and blowdryers, this small contraption is great for on-the-go use. Also battery powered, it can be used for your ears, facial hair, and more.

BUY Conair Man, HERE

, $19.95