Can nose waxing cause fainting?

Yes, pulling nasal hairs can trigger the nasocardiac reflex, slowing the heart and dropping blood pressure, which may lead to fainting.

What is the nasocardiac reflex triggered by nose waxing?

The nasocardiac reflex is a rare response where stimulating nasal nerves, like during hair pulling, causes a sudden drop in heart rate and blood pressure.

Are there other risks to nose waxing besides fainting?

Yes, nose waxing removes protective hairs that filter germs, increasing infection risk and potentially damaging the nasal lining.

Home / Health / Shocking Reflex: Nose Waxing Can Cause Collapse

Shocking Reflex: Nose Waxing Can Cause Collapse

14 Dec, 2025

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Summary

Nasal hair removal can trigger a nasocardiac reflex, slowing heart rate.
This reflex causes a sudden drop in blood pressure, leading to fainting.
Removing nose hairs increases infection risk and damages nasal lining.

Shocking Reflex: Nose Waxing Can Cause Collapse

A doctor has highlighted the potential dangers of nasal waxing, explaining how the procedure can lead to fainting. This surprising reaction occurs when pulling nose hairs stimulates branches of the trigeminal nerve, potentially initiating the nasocardiac reflex. This reflex can significantly slow the heart rate and lower blood pressure, causing a syncopal episode.

This reflex is a rare but serious consequence of nasal hair removal. The sudden drop in heart rate and blood pressure can leave individuals vulnerable to collapsing unexpectedly. Therefore, understanding this mechanism is crucial for anyone considering or undergoing nasal waxing.

Furthermore, medical professionals strongly discourage nasal waxing due to the critical role nose hairs play in filtering airborne particles like dust and microbes. Removing them compromises this natural defense, increasing susceptibility to infections and causing irritation, inflammation, and damage to the nasal lining.