It looks trivial, the habit of pulling out the nose hair can actually trigger respiratory infections

JAKARTA - The thick nose hair that grows often disturbs the appearance and lowers self-confidence. To overcome it, many people choose to remove the nose hair with tweezers.

However, the habit of plucking the nose hair should actually be wary, because it can endanger health. This is because the nose hair is the first line of defense that protects the respiratory tract from bacteria, allergens, to dirt that enters through the nose.

Unlike head hair, which has a long growth phase, nasal hair grows relatively short but in clusters and densely. Its rough and stiff nature makes the nasal hair effectively filter foreign particles, thus protecting the body from bacteria and viruses.

"Removing the nose hair will make the nasal cavity and sinuses very vulnerable to anything that comes in," said dermatologist Dr. Julie Russak, quoted from Women's Health Mag, Friday, January 9, 2026.

By removing the nose hair, it will make it easier for allergies and sinusitis to attack, even triggering respiratory tract infections.

"As a result, you are more prone to allergic attacks, sinusitis, and respiratory tract infections," he added.

Therefore, if the nose hair is considered to be disturbing, then it is better to cut or cut it, because it is safer than pulling it out.

"Removing the nose hair reduces the risk of trauma to the follicle, while still maintaining a portion of the hair length so that its filtering function is not lost," said plastic surgeon, Dr. Donald B. Yoo.

It is recommended to use a special nose hair scissors with a curved tip or an electric nose trimmer. Electric tools are usually equipped with a shield, so that they do not come into direct contact with the sensitive skin inside the nose.