Why Do Hairs Grow Out of Moles

Why Do Hairs Grow Out of Moles? The Science Behind the Strands

If you’ve ever noticed a thick or dark hair sprouting from a mole, you’re definitely not alone—and it might leave you wondering whether it’s a cause for concern. It’s a common observation that can look a bit odd, but in most cases, it’s completely harmless.

So, why do hairs grow out of moles? The answer lies in how moles form, how hair follicles work, and how the two sometimes intersect. In fact, these mole hairs can even offer a little reassurance about skin health, as strange as that may sound.

Let’s explore what’s really happening when you spot a hair growing from a mole, whether it’s safe to pluck it, and when if ever you should speak to a professional.

What Are Moles and How Do They Form?

Moles, or melanocytic naevi, are small collections of pigment-producing cells called melanocytes. These cells normally spread evenly throughout the skin, but in a mole, they cluster together. Most moles are benign and can appear anywhere on the body, often during childhood or early adulthood.

Some are flat, some are raised, and they can vary in colour from light brown to black. Many people have between 10 and 40 moles on their body by the time they reach adulthood. They’re influenced by genetics, sun exposure, and hormonal changes.

Moles that form in areas of the skin with hair follicles may incorporate those follicles within their structure. This is where mole hairs come in.

Why Do Hairs Grow from Moles?

Hair follicles are small structures within the skin responsible for growing hair. When a mole forms around or on top of a hair follicle, it doesn’t usually disrupt that follicle in fact, the hair can keep growing just as it would on normal skin.

In some cases, moles can even stimulate hair growth. The increased blood supply and activity in the mole’s skin cells may encourage thicker or darker hairs to grow from that spot. That’s why mole hairs often appear coarser and more prominent than the surrounding hair.

This is completely normal, and although it might not be the look you were hoping for, it’s rarely something to worry about medically.

Is It Safe to Remove Hair from a Mole?

Understandably, many people feel tempted to pluck or shave a mole hair for cosmetic reasons. In general, trimming the hair at the surface is perfectly safe. Shaving is also fine, as long as the mole is flat and not irritated.

Plucking, however, can sometimes cause inflammation, especially if the mole is raised or sensitive. It can also cause the area to become red, sore or even infected if not done hygienically. In rare cases, repeated trauma to the mole such as regular plucking or waxing may change its appearance, which can make it harder to monitor over time.

If you really want to remove the hair completely, it’s best to check with a GP or dermatologist first. They can advise whether the mole is safe to treat and may even offer professional removal of the mole if it’s bothersome.

Do Hairy Moles Mean They're Safe?

There’s an old belief that a mole with a hair growing from it is less likely to become cancerous. While that’s not strictly a diagnostic rule, there’s a bit of truth in the idea. A healthy mole that grows hair tends to be well-structured and not rapidly changing, which are both positive signs.

That said, all moles should still be monitored regularly. If a mole starts changing in size, shape, colour, or begins bleeding or itching whether it has a hair or not it should be checked by a medical professional.

Hair growth alone doesn’t guarantee a mole is benign, but in general, a mole that grows a stable, long-standing hair is not likely to be problematic.

When to Seek Advice

If you’re ever in doubt about a mole, it’s always worth having it looked at. You should speak to a GP or dermatologist if a mole:

• Changes shape, size or colour

• Becomes itchy, painful or bleeds

• Starts to look different from your other moles (often referred to as the ‘ugly duckling’ sign)

• Has a hair that stops growing after being consistently present

Modern mole checks are quick, painless, and often involve a simple visual assessment or a dermatoscopic examination in a clinic.

Final Thoughts: It’s Normal But Worth Watching

Hair growing out of a mole is usually nothing to worry about. It’s a quirky but entirely normal feature of how moles interact with the skin’s natural structure. While it might look a bit unsightly or feel out of place, it’s often a sign of a healthy, stable mole.

That said, it’s always best to be cautious with anything related to skin changes. If something looks or feels different, or if you’re ever unsure, getting a quick check-up offers peace of mind and helps you keep your skin in good health.