Nose hairs, also known as vibrissae, are coarse hairs located inside the nostrils. They form a preliminary barrier, acting as part of the body’s natural defense system against airborne elements and protecting the respiratory system from harmful particles.
Air Filtration and Particle Trapping
Nose hairs serve as a primary physical filter, preventing foreign particles from entering the respiratory system. As air is inhaled, these hairs trap larger airborne contaminants like dust, pollen, allergens, environmental pollutants, and some airborne pathogens. This mechanical trapping action protects the delicate tissues of the lungs and the entire respiratory tract from irritation and potential damage.
The effectiveness of this filtration system is significantly enhanced by the presence of mucus, a sticky substance that coats the nasal hairs and the lining of the nasal passages. Mucus binds to trapped particles, including bacteria and viruses, preventing them from traveling deeper into the body. The trapped particles are then swallowed and neutralized by stomach acid, or expelled through actions like sneezing or blowing the nose. A higher density of nasal hair has been associated with a reduced risk of developing asthma in individuals with allergic rhinitis, likely due to increased filtering capacity for allergens.
Conditioning Inhaled Air
Beyond filtering, nose hairs also condition inhaled air before it reaches the lungs. They warm and humidify the air as it passes through the nasal passages. This process is important because lungs function best with air close to body temperature and adequately moist.
Nasal hairs, with the mucus lining, increase the surface area for moisture exchange. This adds humidity to dry air and retains moisture from exhaled air, preventing the nasal mucosa from drying out. Supplying warm, humidified air to the lungs helps prevent irritation and tissue damage in the lower respiratory tract. This conditioning also supports efficient oxygen transfer within the lungs.
Managing Nose Hairs
While nose hairs serve important protective functions, their visible appearance can lead individuals to consider removing them. Removing nose hairs, especially by plucking, poses health risks. Plucking creates small openings in the delicate skin lining the nostrils, which can become entry points for bacteria. This can lead to infections like nasal vestibulitis, characterized by bumps, irritation, and pain.
Plucking can also result in painful ingrown hairs. The triangular area of the face between the mouth and nose, sometimes called the “danger triangle,” contains veins connected to the brain; infections here, caused by plucking, could theoretically spread to the brain.
For cosmetic reasons, trimming nose hairs is generally the safest method. Specialized trimmers or small scissors with rounded tips can shorten visible hairs without removing them from the follicle or damaging the nasal lining. Trimming allows individuals to manage appearance while largely preserving the hairs’ natural filtering and conditioning. It is advisable to trim only the most visible hairs and avoid removing all nasal hairs, as their functional benefits contribute to respiratory health.