TWEEZING or waxing your nose could put you at risk of infection, doctors warn.
The popular hair removal methods can also result in painful ingrown hairs, as well as redness and irritation.
Plucking or ripping away hairs prevents them from doing their vital role of trapping pollen, dust and other irritants we breathe in.
Dr Nicole Aaronson, an otolaryngologist in Delaware, said she “would not recommend” either method of hair removal.
She told HuffPost: “Waxing breaches the skin barrier by creating openings for bacteria to get into deeper tissues, creating the opportunity for infection.
“Ingrown hairs occur after a hair is removed when the new hair that regenerates from the follicle can’t break through the skin.
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“Because waxing pulls out the hair by the roots, the hair must find its way out through the outer layer of the skin again.”
Nose hairs are important because they act as a physical barrier, stopping allergens getting into the nostrils and harming your throat and lungs.
When a small insect or other irritant touches a nose hair, it triggers a sneeze — preventing them getting further into the nasal passages.
The hairs also trap moisture in the nose, humidifying the air we breathe so it is more comfortable for the lungs.
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Waxing or tweezing can be tempting when stragglers become too long and poke outside your nostrils.
But waxing, in particular, can put you at risk of burning the nose with the hot wax.
Fides Baldesberger, chief executive of Rubis Tweezers, added: “The number one no-tweeze zone is the nose.
"Never tweeze nose hair. Nose hair is there to prevent infection and bacteria. Plus, it's incredibly painful.
"If you're worried about hair growing beyond your nostrils, you can trim with scissors.
“Please use scissors designed for facial hair removal and not just any pair of scissors you have lying around."
Nose trimmer can also be used for hairs further up the nose if you prefer.
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