On the Pullout Strength of Human Nasal Hair (Vibrissae)

Abstract

This study investigates nasal vibrissae-to-dermis detachment in humans, quantifying the pullout force required in adult males. While many studies have investigated the behavior and function of mammalian vibrissae, little is known concerning the mechanical properties of human nasal vibrissae or the strength of the vibrissae-to-dermis attachment. Improved understanding of nasal vibrissae pullout in humans could aid nasal packing design, contaminate removal procedures, and even aid certain cosmetic procedures where vibrissae removal via pullout is the objective. In this study, pullout behavior of human nasal vibrissae is investigated using sensitive force-measuring equipment and advanced scanning electron microscopy. Twenty five vibrissae samples are collected from two human subjects representing a total of 50 pullout measurements. Results indicate that vibrissae thickness (diameter) is unrelated to required pullout force, and that the follicle-width-to-vibrissae-diameter ratio is a good indicator of the resulting vibrissae pullout strength. Larger follicle ratios generally correspond to larger required pullout forces. Vibrissae pullout strength from the combined 50 samples tested varied between 0.071N and 0.726N with a mean pullout strength of 0.379N.