# Do rotary nose-hair trimmers actually work? **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [October 5, 2022, 7:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-rotary-nose-hair-trimmers-actually-work/972775 "2022-10-05T19:31:35Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![norvalnormal](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/f19dbf/32.png) [@norvalnormal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/norvalnormal)\ **Post date:** [October 5, 2022, 7:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-rotary-nose-hair-trimmers-actually-work/972775/1 "2022-10-05T19:31:35Z")
I just bought a “well-reviewed” one from Amazon, and it does not cut hair at ALL. I suddenly realized I have a half dozen of these things (two of them Panasonic-branded), and none did a decent job, and every single one of them stopping working after a short time. I’ve had a string of burr coffee grinders fail on me way too quickly, but I ascribed _this_ to mere bad luck on my part. (I see there are other nose hair queries on the board but the most recent one is a decade old.) ---
**Author:** ![HMS\_Irruncible](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hms_irruncible/32/7394_2.png) [@HMS\_Irruncible](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HMS_Irruncible)\ **Post date:** [October 5, 2022, 7:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-rotary-nose-hair-trimmers-actually-work/972775/2 "2022-10-05T19:40:56Z")
10 years ago you could get really good ones, but they were strong enough to strip skin as well, and I think manufacturers erred too far on the side of caution. I have a Panasonic one that works, is safe, but it takes a lot longer to get things done. ---
**Author:** ![Kent\_Clark](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kent_clark/32/105_2.png) [@Kent\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kent_Clark)\ **Post date:** [October 5, 2022, 7:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-rotary-nose-hair-trimmers-actually-work/972775/3 "2022-10-05T19:46:04Z")
Mine works, but I have to maneuver it around the nostril a few times and then drive it straight up the middle to get a successful trim. As noted, it takes longer to do the job, but it’s still better than scissors. ---
**Author:** ![DPRK](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/4491bb/32.png) [@DPRK](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DPRK)\ **Post date:** [October 5, 2022, 8:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-rotary-nose-hair-trimmers-actually-work/972775/4 "2022-10-05T20:02:03Z")
Yes, but do not bother with an electric one; get the little manual one made of nice stainless steel. ---
**Author:** ![bump](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/7c8e57/32.png) [@bump](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bump)\ **Post date:** [October 5, 2022, 9:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-rotary-nose-hair-trimmers-actually-work/972775/5 "2022-10-05T21:32:04Z")
I concur- mine’s fantastic and doesn’t rip out my nose hairs as readily as the powered one I used to have. > **[Amazon.com: Groom Mate Platinum XL Nose & Ear Hair Trimmer : Beauty &...](https://www.amazon.com/Groom-Mate-Platinum-Nose-Trimmer/dp/B000EBFJXS)** > > Amazon.com: Groom Mate Platinum XL Nose & Ear Hair Trimmer : Beauty & Personal Care ---
**Author:** ![Tabco](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tabco/32/7644_2.png) [@Tabco](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tabco)\ **Post date:** [October 5, 2022, 11:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-rotary-nose-hair-trimmers-actually-work/972775/6 "2022-10-05T23:55:29Z")
My beard trimmer comes with a nose hair attachment and it works fine. Some old Norelco model. ---
**Author:** ![Crafter\_Man](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/crafter_man/32/458_2.png) [@Crafter\_Man](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Crafter_Man)\ **Post date:** [October 6, 2022, 12:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-rotary-nose-hair-trimmers-actually-work/972775/7 "2022-10-06T00:00:03Z")
I’ve been using [this one](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0049LUI9O/) for years, and really love it. Does a great job on nose and ears. I’ve tried a few others, and they didn’t work as well. I’ve also learned something about them: do _ **not** _ clean the blade assembly with alcohol! It will destroy the blade in no time. Just clean it with water and the corner of a paper towel, and let it dry. Or forgo the water, and simply wipe them down with a Q-tip or corner of a paper towel. Even with good care, they don’t last very long. I buy a new one about every four months. ---
**Author:** ![Slow\_Moving\_Vehicle](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/slow_moving_vehicle/32/291_2.png) [@Slow\_Moving\_Vehicle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Slow_Moving_Vehicle)\ **Post date:** [October 6, 2022, 12:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-rotary-nose-hair-trimmers-actually-work/972775/8 "2022-10-06T00:13:25Z")
I’ve finally had to resort to drastic measures to rein in my luxuriant crop of nose hair - waxing my nostrils. Melt five grams of wax in a cup, swirl around the little plastic applicator that came with the kit, jamb the resultant blob into the schnoz, then _yank._ Works like a charm, and not nearly as painful as I anticipated. ---
**Author:** ![Kropotkin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kropotkin/32/18045_2.png) [@Kropotkin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kropotkin)\ **Post date:** [October 6, 2022, 12:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-rotary-nose-hair-trimmers-actually-work/972775/9 "2022-10-06T00:39:00Z")
This has got to be a whoosh, right? Need answer fast, as I’m heating up some candle wax… ---
**Author:** ![TriPolar](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tripolar/32/3008_2.png) [@TriPolar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TriPolar)\ **Post date:** [October 6, 2022, 12:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-rotary-nose-hair-trimmers-actually-work/972775/10 "2022-10-06T00:52:46Z")
A propane torch is effective also. Avoid inhaling though. ---
**Author:** ![Dag\_Otto](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/439d5e/32.png) [@Dag\_Otto](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dag_Otto)\ **Post date:** [October 6, 2022, 1:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-rotary-nose-hair-trimmers-actually-work/972775/11 "2022-10-06T01:00:56Z")
Overkill. A wood kitchen match works just fine. ---
**Author:** ![CookingWithGas](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cookingwithgas/32/485_2.png) [@CookingWithGas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CookingWithGas)\ **Post date:** [October 6, 2022, 1:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-rotary-nose-hair-trimmers-actually-work/972775/12 "2022-10-06T01:44:40Z")
Ditto that. I don’t know the model but my Norelco trimmer has a few attachments, including a nose hair trimmer which is the best thing I’ve ever tried. No more poking myself with scissors or ripping out hairs with a shitty trimmer. ---
**Author:** ![Slow\_Moving\_Vehicle](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/slow_moving_vehicle/32/291_2.png) [@Slow\_Moving\_Vehicle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Slow_Moving_Vehicle)\ **Post date:** [October 6, 2022, 1:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-rotary-nose-hair-trimmers-actually-work/972775/13 "2022-10-06T01:47:55Z")
> [@Kropotkin](#): > > This has got to be a whoosh, right? Need answer fast, as I’m heating up some candle wax… Not in the least. This is similar to the kit I have: > **[Amazon.com : Wokaar Nose Wax Kit, 100 g Wax, 30 Applicators, 15-20 Uses. Nose...](https://www.amazon.com/Wokaar-Nasal-Waxing-Kit-Women/dp/B07KJCTN47)** > > Amazon.com : Wokaar Nose Wax Kit, 100 g Wax, 30 Applicators, 15-20 Uses. Nose & Ear Hair Removal for Men and Women- Safe, Easy, Quick & Painless Hair Remover : Beauty & Personal Care ---
**Author:** ![am77494](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/d2c977/32.png) [@am77494](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/am77494)\ **Post date:** [October 6, 2022, 1:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-rotary-nose-hair-trimmers-actually-work/972775/14 "2022-10-06T01:48:59Z")
Once I discovered Nose hair waxing, I’ve never looked back. Very easy to do - and it does not hurt as much as you may think. And a much cleaner, fresher, feel You can buy the expensive wax kit : [https://www.amazon.com/NADs-Nose-Wax-Men-Women/dp/B009GA5XVG](https://www.amazon.com/NADs-Nose-Wax-Men-Women/dp/B009GA5XVG) Or you can use microwaveable wax and popsicle sticks. [Amazon.com](https://www.amazon.com/Sally-Hansen-Eyebrow-Microwaveable-Extrasoothe/dp/B000AA5VE0/) ---
**Author:** ![Czarcasm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/czarcasm/32/4050_2.png) [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Post date:** [October 6, 2022, 1:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-rotary-nose-hair-trimmers-actually-work/972775/15 "2022-10-06T01:52:00Z")
> [@am77494](#): > > Once I discovered Nose hair waxing, I’ve never looked back. Neither have I…because I can’t see through all the tears. ---
**Author:** ![am77494](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/d2c977/32.png) [@am77494](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/am77494)\ **Post date:** [October 6, 2022, 1:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-rotary-nose-hair-trimmers-actually-work/972775/16 "2022-10-06T01:53:06Z")
😂 But seriously, give it try. ---
**Author:** ![pkbites](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pkbites/32/204_2.png) [@pkbites](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pkbites)\ **Post date:** [October 6, 2022, 1:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-rotary-nose-hair-trimmers-actually-work/972775/17 "2022-10-06T01:57:12Z")
> [@Czarcasm](#): > > > [@am77494](#): > > > > Once I discovered Nose hair waxing, I’ve never looked back. > > Neither have I…because I can’t see through all the tears. It’s a little known fact that nostril hair is attached to the back of your eyeballs. My rotary trimmer works ok but doesn’t cut down as short as I’d like and I have to use it more often than desired. ---
**Author:** ![Kropotkin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kropotkin/32/18045_2.png) [@Kropotkin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kropotkin)\ **Post date:** [October 6, 2022, 1:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-rotary-nose-hair-trimmers-actually-work/972775/18 "2022-10-06T13:21:28Z")
I find burning them out with a butane lighter to be very effective and often painless ---
**Author:** ![Machine\_Elf](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/82dd89/32.png) [@Machine\_Elf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Machine_Elf)\ **Post date:** [October 6, 2022, 3:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-rotary-nose-hair-trimmers-actually-work/972775/19 "2022-10-06T15:34:43Z")
> [@Kropotkin](#): > > This has got to be a whoosh, right? Need answer fast, as I’m heating up some candle wax… I tried a nose hair trimmer years ago, but didn’t like the resulting stubble. For a long time now my go-to solution for nostril hairs has been to attack them en masse with tweezers every couple of months or so. It’s an unpleasant task, but the resulting glabrosity can’t be beat. I tried a nose-hair waxing kit once, but didn’t get good results. Since at least a couple of folks here are saying good things, maybe I need to give it a try again… ---
**Author:** ![bump](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/7c8e57/32.png) [@bump](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bump)\ **Post date:** [October 6, 2022, 5:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-rotary-nose-hair-trimmers-actually-work/972775/20 "2022-10-06T17:32:42Z")
Jesus. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-rotary-nose-hair-trimmers-actually-work/972775.md?page=2)