Everything you need to know about trimming your nose and ear hair

While neatly groomed facial hair looks great, there are two areas that seem to regularly slip the radar – the nose and ears. You might not notice these hairs yourself, but chances are others will see them peeking out. Not sure how to go about trimming them safely? We chatted to internationally qualified somatologist, Rashieda Goolam Ajeraan for some tips on how to trim those unruly hairs with ease. 

Preparation is key

While it might seem as simple as plugging in the machine and removing the hair, Rashieda stresses the importance of making sure that both areas are thoroughly cleaned before doing so. “Make sure that the area is clean of wax or mucous, as they will get into the machine and not only cause the process to be painful but also spread germs,” she says. 

Use the proper tools

The general rule of thumb is that you should trim any hairs that extend out of your nose and ears with an ear and nose hair trimmer. “If you’re not comfortable using a trimmer, then using scissors specifically designed for trimming small hairs will also do the trick,” says Rashieda. Look for a pair with a rounded edge and that is small and comfortable enough to hold in your hand. 

Hygiene comes first 

Rashieda notes the importance of ensuring that you don't trim the hair too short since these hairs are the first line of defense in your nose and ear, protecting you from bacteria and germs. Her tip to avoid this is to leave the trimming machine on between five and eight seconds in each nostril and ear, depending on the density and thickness of your hair. 

Finally, Rashieda’s top tip is that you should always do your nose and ear trimming in the comfort of your own home since doing it at a barber or hairdresser could increase your risk of infection. This is super important as you can never be sure if equipment is sterilised correctly. Better safe than sorry!

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