About Ear Hair

Ear hair may be unseemly, unwanted and covered in ear wax, but it is not the end of the world. The stuff can be easily removed, in both people and their pets, with no special training and a couple of simple tools. Another option for the unsightly stuff is to simply let it grow with the hopes of beating out the man who currently holds the longest ear hair record. The guy's ear hair is more than half a foot long.

Types

Ear hair is incredibly versatile and various in color, thickness and origin. It can be found growing around the outer ear, stemming off of the ear's rim or even the lobe. The hair can also sprout from the inner ear where it can easily become much more problematic and more difficult to remove. Hair inside the inner ear is also prone to getting clogged up with wax and can cause temporary deafness.

Theories/Speculation

Older men are most affected by unwanted ear hair, but there is no absolute answer as to why this happens. One theory postulates that testosterone, the male hormone, has a brazen effect on the hair follicles around the ears and nose, which have become more sensitive with age.
John Romano, M.D., a clinical associate professor of dermatology ant New York Hospital-Cornell Medical Center, says ear and nose hair is God's practical joke. "He takes the hair from your head and puts it on your ears and nose," Romano said.

Prevention/Solution

Getting rid of ear hair is not all that difficult. Ear hair sprouting from the lobes and outer edges of the ear can be shaved off with a regular electric razor. Smaller, personal grooming kits are also available. They usually include a smaller razor that can whisk away inner ear hair and a small pair of scissors to get those pesky wisps that elude the razor. Similar trimming instruments, billed as nose and ear hair trimmers, are also available. Outer ear hair can also be removed using a hair remover cream or liquid, but extreme care should be taken not to get the substance inside the ear canal.

Considerations

Ear hair can also be a problem in pets, especially long haired dogs. It's likely to get clogged with dirt or wax. Regular visits to the groomer will take care of the ear hair, or folks can do it themselves. Use an ear powder, sold at pet stores, and sprinkle a bit on the hand to rub into the ear hair. Use hemostats, which are a handled pair of needle-nosed tweezers, to gently pull out small sections of hair at a time. Clean the ear with a damp cloth when through.

Potential

Ear hair can grow to great lengths if it's left to thrive. The Guinness World Records lists the longest ear hair at 7.12 inches, from the center of his outer ear to the hair's longest point. This record, recorded on Aug. 26, 2007, is held by Anthony Victor of Manurai, India. Anyone hoping to beat that has a whole lot of growing out to do.

Resources

• Ear hair photos, record holder in the middle