IT STARTS WITH a quick glance—a double-take in the mirror under harsh bathroom lighting. Then there it is: a single, wiry hair brazenly peeking out of your nostril like it’s trying to escape. Soon, you’re spotting strands in places they never used to grow, like your ears, and this only multiplies with time. While a beard trimmer, electric razor, or pair of tweezers can help, the best way to keep them in check is to arm yourself with a nose hair trimmer—preferably one that won’t feel like a medieval torture device.
Best Nose Hair Trimmers
Nose hair trimmers are specifically built to tackle those tricky, hard-to-reach spots. Many models come loaded with extras—think built-in lights, interchangeable heads, even mini vacuums to keep your sink clean. Technically, you could use scissors, but it’s a risk. Snipping near sensitive nasal tissue risks nicks and cuts, and as for waxing—well, that’s best left to professionals, not your bathroom mirror. Unless you enjoy excruciating pain and opening your nostrils to infection and disease.
It might be unpleasant to look at when overgrown, but nose hair exists for a reason. It acts as a natural filter, trapping dust, debris, and other particles before they make their way into your body and potentially cause infection or illness. That’s why fully removing it, like with waxing, isn’t a great idea. But those long, visible strands sticking out? They’re not doing the job any better than the hidden ones. The key is balance: trim regularly, but don’t overdo it. Just tidy up when the hairs start to show.
Most nose hair trimmers are reasonably affordable, and shelling out a ton of money isn’t necessarily going to get you the best one. Think about how often you’ll use it, and if you’re mostly concerned with nose hairs or want to use it for other things, too. Many come with multiple attachments to help you tackle errant eyebrow hairs and sometimes even detail your beard. Plus, there are quality nose hair trimmers available at every budget point, so get ready to say goodbye to those long hairs for good.
What to Consider
Rotary or Slide Cutter
When it comes to nose hair trimming, or any manscaping really, the means by which blades will be brushed against your skin is crucial. For nose trimmers, this typically comes down to one of two options: either a rotary or slide cutter. Slide cutters resemble more traditional clippers, while rotary heads are the ones that look closer to a pen cap. While rotary options tend to give a closer shave, slide cutters offer more control and precision since they only cut in a straight, back-and-forth motion.
Given that these devices are made to be inserted into the nostril, most are primarily equipped with a rotary head, but some offer the option of a slide for folks who prefer the old-school feel. Of course, there are also a few with adjustments for both to accommodate the more indecisive among us.
Power Source
With most products, you might look solely for a long battery life to ensure you can spend less time charging or replacing batteries, and more time using the device. However, with nose hair trimmers, there are a few other caveats to consider, which can impact the overall grooming experience—namely, the source of its power.
Battery-operated nose hair trimmers take up less storage space, as they don’t need a charging mount or cable, but will likely cost more long-term due to battery replacements. On the other hand, nose hair trimmers with wall chargers can be refueled at any time as long as there’s an outlet nearby. Plus, there are few things more annoying than a trimmer sputtering out with dying batteries, which chargers make easier to avoid. While nose hair trimming takes substantially less time than beard or body, you’ll still want one that has at least 30 minutes of runtime to avoid frequently recharging.
How We Selected
At Men’s Health, we’ve been testing nose hair trimmers for years now, focusing on key performance factors like trimming precision, comfort during use, ease of handling, value for the price, and long-term durability. There isn’t a nose trimmer out there we haven’t gotten our hands on at some point, while also paying close attention to common pain points, like pulling, irritation, and inconsistent results.
While updating this roundup with the latest and greatest nose trimmers, I considered past favorites and emerging tools, ultimately landing on over 20 to try or give another look. After testing each for at least three weeks, I refined our findings to a final shortlist: the eight best nose hair trimmers that truly deliver on performance and reliability.
Pros
Easy to hold
Can use on wet and dry hairs
Built-in vacuum system
Cons
Charger is bulky and can take up space in Dopp kits
One of the more expensive options on this list
This is the Rolls-Royce of nose hair trimmers—pricey, yes, but absolutely premium in performance. Its comfortable, well-balanced design lets me use it not just on my nose, but also for my ears and eyebrows. Still, where it really stands out is clearing nasal hair quickly and comfortably. The built-in vacuum keeps things sanitary by reducing leftover clippings and minimizing bacterial buildup. I also appreciate the wet/dry functionality—it’s easy to clean whether I’m using it in the shower or at the sink. During testing, I found the dual-edge blade trimmed hair much faster than cheaper options, like the Zorami trimmer, which often needed extra time to do the same job. And while the vacuum system is a major plus for cleanup, I did have to empty it about every four months or so with regular use.
Testing Notes: This nose hair trimmer is bulky, per se, because nose hair trimmers are, by default, small appliances, but it is hefty. It sits well in your hand and is easy to hold and grip, which is a surprisingly needed and under-represented feature in the nose hair trimmer world. It’s truly the Rolls-Royce of trimmers, powering through thick and long nose hairs with ease, and leaving your nostrils feeling shorn and clean.
The vacuum is also a very welcome feature that I didn’t know I needed until I tried it. After all, who really wants to clean up nose hair clippings from their sink? The one thing I will say is that while you can technically use this in the shower thanks to the wet/dry feature, cutting hair of all kinds is easier when it’s dry, even nose hairs. I’d recommend sticking to using it outside of the shower.
Long-Term Results: After six months of using Panasonic's Ear and Nose Hair Trimmer, I found that it trims my errant nostril hairs as well as it did right out of the box. The battery time did decrease slightly after six months of using it, but not enough of a decline to make a huge difference.
Read More: Best Body Groomers
Rotary or Slide Cutter? | Rotary |
Power Source | Wall charger |
Pros
Unique cutter end helps get hard to reach areas
Ergonomic design provides extra grip
Battery powered for those who prefer
Great for travel, no need for bulky charger with batteries
Cons
Some might find the motor to be too loud
Most nose hair trimmers use either a rotary blade or a dual-blade setup. What really sets the Conair model apart, though, is its distinctive mushroom-shaped cutting head. The lip at the tip lets me guide it precisely along the inner edge of my nostrils, reaching spots that other trimmers couldn't quite get to. Of all the options I’ve tried, this one gave me the closest trim.
While a lot of people—including many of my fellow editors—really appreciate this unique design, some are perfectly content with a standard rotary trimmer. Honestly, it comes down to personal preference, the way your nose hair grows, and how often you find yourself trimming.
Beyond the cutting performance, I also appreciated the Conair’s ergonomic build. Its textured grip gave me better control, and the slim body fit easily into my travel kit—ideal for keeping things tidy on the go. It also includes three attachments for beard and body grooming, but I found those didn’t shave nearly as close as the nose hair trimmer itself.
Testing Notes: Let’s be honest—the extra attachments are fine if you need them, but they don’t compare to the main attraction: the nose hair trimmer. What really impressed me was its mushroom-shaped head. It’s a smart design tweak that lets me reach spots inside my nostrils that traditional trimmers usually miss.
Long-Term Results: After using for over five months, I still dig this trimmer’s super close cut. However, the Conair's motor has gotten slightly louder over time.
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Rotary or Slide Cutter? | Rotary |
Power Source | AA battery |
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Pros
Effective at getting all hairs in the nostril
Hypoallergenic steel cone
Quiet motor
Ergonomic design
45 minute battery life
Cons
More expensive than other options on this list
Battery-powered nose trimmers work fine if you’re only trimming once in a while. But if you stay on top of your nostril grooming (and you should—nose hair grows faster than most people think), a rechargeable model makes way more sense. That’s why I went with this one from Manscaped.
It's not surprising that the brand that reinvented the body groomer delivered the same technology above your neck with the first iteration of The Weed Whacker, but the 2.0 takes it to a whole other level.
It packs a 7,000 rpm motor—the only more powerful option is the Panasonic trimmer, our best overall—into a compact design, and the hypoallergenic stainless steel cone protects sensitive skin while trimming. That means you get a smooth cut without the tugging or irritation.
Testing Notes: During my first time using it, I noticed how seamlessly it cut nasal fur. Even more impressive: it was the quietest trimmer I’ve tried, which made for an even more pleasant shaving experience. Plus, the tip is angled to allow you to reach even the hardest-to-reach crevices in your schnoz.
Unlike most of the other nose hair trimmers on this list, it’s rechargeable via USB, so no need to switch out batteries. Each charge also gets you 45 minutes of trim time, which is the longest on this list. For comparison, Panasonic’s best in case option gets 40 minutes per charge.
Long-Term Results: After using it for two months, Manscape's marquee nose trimmer cut just as close as it did when I first tested it. Not to mention, its 45-minute battery life still held up after multiple charges.
Rotary or Slide Cutter? | Rotary |
Power Source | Charging dock with wall plug |
Pros
Under $15
Over 28,000 five-star Amazon review
Comes with protective cap
IPX7 waterproof rating
Easy to clean
Cons
Lifespan might not be as long as other trimmers on this list
Battery not included
I get it, building a solid grooming arsenal can get expensive quickly. So if you're looking to trim costs (pun intended) on your grooming gadgets, but still want something that gets the job done, then look to Zorani's trimmer that's less than $14.Given that it's a top-rated rig on Amazon, we decided to try the Zorami ourselves.
At this price point, I was impressed by its waterproof capabilities and a 6,500 RPM motor that slices hair pretty cleanly. While it didn't cut as closely as the Manscaped or Philips Norelco trimmers, it still did a commendable job cleaning our nostrils, only adding a few extra minutes to our shaving time compared to our top-rated trimmers.
You can easily pop off the top and rinse under water to clean. Then, after every use, you can snap on the protective top case, a useful feature for keeping your gadget clean while traveling. The only qualms about this trimmer might be overall durability and lifespan, but for those who don't have a lot of nose hair to battle, this is an ideal starter trimmer to go with.
Testing Notes: When you’re using this trimmer, compared to the others on this list, you can definitely tell it’s an inexpensive version. That’s not necessarily a bad thing; it just means that it doesn’t have a lot of the bells and whistles that some of the more expensive options have. That said, it delivers where it matters—namely, cutting ability.
It’s not as fast as some of the others on this list and in some cases doesn’t cut quite as close (those of us with thicker nose hairs noticed that we needed to use it a bit more frequently), but for the average guy with average nose foliage, it does the job and does it well. The pop-off cap cleaning option is also a nice touch, which makes cleaning it easy to remember.
Long-Term Results: After testing Zorami's trimmer for a month, I noticed a slight decline in cutting ability, and some minor pulling. But the difference wasn't too drastic, and I’d imagine most guys wouldn’t notice.
Rotary or Slide Cutter? | Rotary |
Power Source | AA battery |
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Pros
Comes with touch-up attachments
Strong blades
Protective guard system that protects sensitive skin
AA battery included
Cons
Some might prefer using a rotary end trimmer
If you’re looking for an all-in-one trimming option, this Philips Norelco model is pretty hard to beat. Yeah, it doesn't have Panasonic's vacuum feature, but it can still cut nose hair just as effectively, thanks to a dual-sided steel blade that chops down strands without any tugging.
The blades have protective tube technology designed to protect the nostrils from cuts and irritation, making it great for sensitive skin, especially considering the nostrils are one of the most sensitive areas on the face. The nose, ear, and eyebrow attachments (with multiple-length combs) all work well, and the trimmer even comes with a nifty attachment for your sideburns.
Testing Notes: As a nose hair trimmer, this multifunctional tool delivers on everything you want a nose hair trimmer to be. It cuts with ease, it doesn’t pull or snag your hair, and it doesn’t irritate or nick the inside of your nose. The blades are sharp and fast, and the tube housing makes it easy to use.
If you’re into things like eyebrow detailing and other small tweaks to your facial hair, the additional attachments may come in handy, but I found that they are a little trickier to use and not as efficient as the nose hair attachment.
Good thing there is a pouch included, as well, because these attachments are tiny and definitely easy to lose at the bottom of your Dopp kit or bathroom drawer. I usually prefer a rechargeable tool, but the replaceable lithium battery is fine and convenient for travel.
Long-Term Results: After using it for four months, I can safely say that Philips' Norelco trimmer still trimmed just as efficiently as it did when I first received it. While it comes with several attachments for shaving the rest of your body, I found that they didn't cut as closely as the original blade, so I’d recommend buying a separate body groomer.
Rotary or Slide Cutter? | Both |
Power Source | AA battery |
Pros
Under $15
Good for travel
Still powerful for its smaller size
Cons
Battery not included
If you’re primarily interested in portability, Wahl’s Micro Groomsman is your best bet. This little gadget packs serious power and efficiency while barely being larger than a Sharpie. Perfect to fit in any travel bag or Dopp kit, the Mirco Groomsman will ensure there are no lingering nose hairs poking out whether you’re departing for the beach or boardroom.
Its sleek rotary head can smoothly manage nose hairs (not to mention ear whiskers), while its detailer blade adjustment can help shape and neaten facial hair. This add-on also comes in handy for cleaning up necklines and other last-minute touchups when traveling.
Thanks to its streamlined design, operating the device was quick and simple—another boon for busy travelers. While the Micro Groomsman is not waterproof, cleaning it only required removing the stainless steel rotary head to run it under water.
Testing Notes: I primarily use the Micro Groomsman when traveling or for last-minute touchups in a jam, but it certainly has the power to be an everyday nose hair trimmer, especially for those with less thick hair.
Long-Term Results: The integrity and effectiveness of the Micro Groomsman’s design hold up over time, however, the battery life may leave some wanting more. The batteries don’t last as long as other trimmers on this list, which could prove taxing to last-minute travelers. I initially got about two months of regular use with one fresh battery, but it’s closer to six weeks now, so I’d recommend bringing along a backup battery for any traveling.
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Rotary or Slide Cutter? | Both |
Power Source | Battery |
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Pros
Made of durable and sleek stainless steel
Kit also includes fingernail clipper, toenail clipper, nail filer, and slant tip tweezer
Comes in compact and sturdy hard case
Cons
Not ideal for cutting out all nose hairs (leave that to the trimmer).
Sure, electric nose hair trimmers are probably best for daily grooming, but let’s be real—sometimes these trusty devices just can't get rid of that one stubborn hair. That's when a good pair of nose hair scissors comes in handy to take care of those last few strays.
Of all the scissors we've tried and snipped with, the Shears 3.0 were by far the most effective—and durable. Doubling as nail clippers (though, you probably shouldn't use the same pair for both), these shears are sharp enough to eliminate any lingering hairs and tiny enough to fit into the smallest of nostrils. Plus, it comes in a nifty travel kit that includes a fingernail clipper, toenail clipper, nail filer and slant tip tweezer—all of which are stainless steel and waterproof. It’s a mainstay in our Dopp kits.
Testing Notes: In theory, you could use these scissors to trim all your nose hairs, especially if your nose isn’t too fuzzy. But, honestly, they're best suited for those precise touch-ups—like snipping away a few stray hairs when needed. But either way, take it slow. As these were designed to also trim fingernails, they’re quite sharp and can certainly cause a cut if you're not careful. To limit risk, we recommend you get up close to the mirror and be deliberate, so you're only trimming the hairs you want to get rid of.
Long-Term Results: We don’t use these sheers nearly as often as our electric trimmers, since they're best for touch-ups or travel, but they still cut as cleanly as when we first tested them. Thanks to their stainless steel design, there’s been minimal wear and tear over the six months we've been testing them, not to mention zero rusting.
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Rotary or Slide Cutter? | N/A |
Power Source | N/A |
Pros
No batteries or charging needed
Compact
Good for travel
Cons
Takes a more concentrated effort than electric options
More prone to hair pulling
Of course, one of the few complaints with electric nose hair trimmers—battery-powered or otherwise—is often their need to be recharged or refueled with new batteries. This Royal nose hair trimmer combats that common gripe by eschewing electricity entirely.
It works by simply squeezing the handles together, which manually rotates the blades to trim hair. The indented handles also help to ensure you never lose your grip and the tool stays properly placed in your nostril.
The Royal Nose Hair Trimmer is specifically designed to avoid irritation by enclosing blades so that they won’t come in contact with skin, limiting the risk of cuts and nicks.
Sure, the process is slightly more laborious and the cuts aren’t as precise as other nose hair trimmers on this list, but it’s barely enough to notice. That tradeoff may be well worth it for those who are sensitive to the noisier nose hair trimmer.
Testing Notes: Given its manual design, there were times when this trimmer pulled hair rather than cut it. This can occasionally feel like plucking your nose hairs instead of cutting them, but when operated properly with some patience, it usually holds up without much pulling.
That said, cleaning was a bit more involved than the above options, as you have to pop the top off to do so. The device is water resistant, however, so you can simply run it under the faucet in a jam.
Long-Term Results: As an everyday nose hair trimmer, this one might not be ideal, but it’s a great option when traveling. I found it can also come in handy during those ever-stressful times when batteries or a charge abruptly die.
Rotary or Slide Cutter? | Rotary |
Power Source | N/A |
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How to Use a Nose Hair Trimmer
I’ll admit, the idea of sticking a trimmer up your nose can feel a little intimidating at first, but trust me, the best nose hair trimmers are built to be safe and painless. Most use rotary blades, which are tucked inside a cylindrical guard to protect your skin. That design helps prevent snags and, thankfully, those awful little nicks that hurt way more than they should.
When I trim, I gently place the device just inside one nostril, switch it on, and slowly rotate it to catch as many hairs as possible. There’s no need to push it too far—keeping it shallow is safer and more effective. I usually listen for the sound of hair being cut, and once it goes quiet, I move on to the other nostril.
Some trimmers also come with a slide cutter, which I’ve found more useful for shaping sideburns or cleaning up my neckline. That said, if you’ve got extra-long hairs in your nose or ears, you can carefully trim them down with the slide cutter before switching back to the rotary head for a closer finish.
Also, rest assured that this process isn’t painful with the right tool. Even if you have really long or thick nostril hairs, using a nose hair trimmer won’t hurt. The blades aren’t shaving the hairs down to the skin—they’re just cutting them to a length so they won’t stick out of your nose. Think of it the same as getting a haircut.
Read More: How to Groom Body Hair
Are Nose Hair Trimmers Just for Nose Hair?
Despite their relatively low price, it can still be hard to justify a tool for such a specific issue. Luckily, you can use a nose hair trimmer in some other places. Even the simplest ones are good for ear and eyebrow hairs.
Some other trimmers also come with interchangeable attachments to help shape facial hair and trim mustaches, beards, and sometimes body hair. But keep in mind that if you use an attachment for your nose, you shouldn’t use it anywhere else to avoid cross-contamination. Even if you wash it off thoroughly, it’s a risk.
Still, others are full-on clippers with a nose hair trimmer attachment. Choose one depending on where you want to use it, but don’t try to go rogue. Stick to what the trimmer and attachments are designed for.
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More of Our Favorite Grooming Gadgets
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Additional reporting by Garrett Munce and John Thompson
Sean Zucker
Grooming and Commerce Editor
Sean Zucker is the Grooming and Commerce Editor at Men's Health. He brings over half a decade of experience covering health, wellness, and lifestyle. When Sean's not writing about hair products, you can find him running for exercise, or toward the nearest food truck.