The Klipette nose hair trimmer is a compact, manual grooming tool commonly associated with the mid-20th century (roughly the 1940s–1950s). Built from durable metal and designed for portability, it was made to trim visible nose hair quickly and discreetly—long before electric personal trimmers became widespread.
What It’s Called
- Primary name: Klipette nose hair trimmer
- Also described as: vintage manual nose hair trimmer, mechanical nose hair clipper, mid-century grooming trimmer
When It Appeared
- Most examples labeled “Klipette” are typically dated by collectors to the 1940s or 1950s.
- This period saw a boom in personal grooming accessories made from nickel-plated or stainless steel, often sold in small grooming kits for home, travel, or military use.
Who Made It
- The item is commonly identified by the brand name “Klipette.”
- Important note: The specific individual inventor is not reliably documented from the brief label alone. In many cases, these tools were brand-marketed products produced by a manufacturer that did not consistently appear on the tool body.
- What can be stated safely: it was produced and sold under the Klipette name as a consumer grooming device in the mid-20th century.
What It Does
- Main purpose: Trims nose hair by cutting hair that enters the trimmer’s cutting head.
- Secondary use (sometimes): Some people used similar cutters for ear hair trimming, though the tool was primarily marketed for the nose.
How It Works (Simple Explanation)
From the photo, this appears to be a small cylindrical metal trimmer with a knurled (textured) grip and a slotted cutting tip.
- Insert the tip carefully just inside the nostril (not deep).
- Twist/turn the handle or operate the mechanism (depending on the internal design).
- The cutting head uses two metal cutting edges that move against each other to snip hair.
- Remove and tap/brush out trimmed hairs after use.
Key Identifying Features Visible in the Image
- All-metal body with a vintage machined finish
- Knurled center grip for control
- A small screw on the grip area (often used for assembly or tension)
- A split/slotted cutting head at the front where trimming occurs
- Compact size consistent with travel grooming tools of the era
Why It Was Popular in the 1940s–1950s
- No electricity needed (reliable anywhere)
- Reusable and built to last
- Easy to carry in a shaving kit, bathroom drawer, or travel case
- Matched the mid-century preference for metal, mechanical personal-care tools
Care, Cleaning, and Safe Use
- Clean after each use: wipe and use a small brush to remove hairs.
- Sanitize: mild soap and warm water; dry fully to prevent spotting.
- Lubrication: a tiny drop of light machine oil can help if the mechanism feels stiff (wipe away excess).
- Use gently: only the outer nostril area—avoid pushing deep.
