Should Girls Pluck Nose Hair?

Based on the provided reference, plucking nose hair is generally not recommended for anyone, including girls.

Plucking nose hair is a common grooming question, and the advice from medical professionals leans strongly against it due to potential health risks.

Why Plucking Nose Hair Isn't Recommended

According to CEENTA ENT doctor Michael Falcone, MD, plucking nose hair is not recommended. This recommendation applies universally, regardless of gender.

Here are the primary concerns associated with plucking:

• Risk of Ingrown Hairs: Pulling out hair from the follicle can damage the skin and cause the new hair to grow back under the skin's surface, leading to painful ingrown hairs.
• Risk of Infections: The nose contains bacteria. Plucking creates tiny open wounds in the delicate nasal lining, providing an entry point for these bacteria. This can easily lead to infections within the hair follicle.
• Development of Furuncles (Boils): Aggressively grooming nasal hair, including plucking, is often the cause of painful bumps inside the nose known as furuncles or boils. These are essentially deep, infected hair follicles that can be quite uncomfortable and may require medical treatment.

While the desire to manage visible nasal hair is understandable, the risks associated with plucking make it an ill-advised method for everyone. Safer alternatives, such as carefully trimming visible hairs with specialized nasal hair trimmers, are generally preferred.