A mole, medically termed a nevus, is a common skin growth appearing as a small, dark spot caused by a cluster of pigmented cells called melanocytes. These benign formations can appear anywhere on the body, and it is common for hair to grow directly from them. The resulting hair can sometimes be thicker or darker than surrounding body hair, prompting a desire for removal. Understanding the safest removal techniques is the first step toward managing this cosmetic concern.
Why Moles Grow Hair
The presence of hair growing from a mole is a biological coincidence resulting from the mole’s formation around existing hair follicles. Moles develop in the deeper layers of the skin where the hair follicle originates, and they do not impede the follicle’s natural function.
The hair often appears coarser or darker because the melanocytes that form the mole are highly concentrated pigment-producing cells. This concentration of pigment can stimulate the surrounding hair follicles, leading to a hair shaft with a higher melanin content. A hairy mole is frequently considered a sign of a deeply rooted, benign growth, as cancerous moles rarely retain a functioning hair follicle.
Temporary At-Home Hair Removal Methods
For immediate, short-term solutions, several at-home methods can safely remove hair protruding from a mole without causing lasting damage. The safest approach is simply trimming the hair at the skin’s surface using small, sharp scissors or an electric trimmer. Trimming avoids contact with the mole itself, eliminating the risk of irritation or nicks to the skin.
Another common method is carefully shaving the hair. Shaving is quick and effective, but use a clean, sharp razor and exercise caution, especially with raised moles, to prevent scraping the surface. Nicking a raised nevus can lead to temporary bleeding or a minor infection.
Some individuals choose to tweeze or pluck the hair, which removes the strand from the root for a longer-lasting effect. While plucking does not cause a mole to become cancerous, it carries a slight risk of irritating the mole or causing localized inflammation. If you choose this method, monitor the mole for any signs of prolonged redness or swelling afterward.
Permanent Cosmetic and Medical Solutions
For those seeking to stop hair growth permanently, professional medical and cosmetic procedures are available, but they require careful consideration by a dermatologist.
The definitive way to stop hair growth from a mole is surgical excision, where a medical professional removes the entire mole and the hair follicle beneath it. This simple, in-office procedure eliminates both the cosmetic concern and the hair, though it does result in a small, permanent scar.
Electrolysis is another highly effective permanent method often preferred for hair growing directly out of a mole. This technique involves inserting a fine probe into the hair follicle and delivering a small electrical current to destroy the root. Because electrolysis targets the follicle individually, it bypasses the risk of heat damage associated with a mole’s high pigment concentration.
Laser hair removal, which uses light energy absorbed by hair pigment, is generally not recommended for direct application on a mole due to the high risk of burning the pigmented skin. If the patient desires laser treatment, a physician will typically cover or shield the mole during the procedure. In many cases, a dermatologist may recommend removing the mole first to ensure the area can be treated safely with light-based hair removal technology.
Signs that Require Dermatological Evaluation
While hair growth from a mole is a benign sign, it is always important to monitor any mole for changes that could indicate a more serious underlying condition like melanoma. The ABCDE rule is a helpful guide for self-examination, focusing on subtle shifts in the mole’s appearance:
- Asymmetry: Look for one half of the mole that does not match the other half.
- Border irregularity: The edges are ragged, notched, or blurred.
- Color variation: The presence of multiple shades of brown, black, or blue within the mole.
- Diameter: Any mole larger than six millimeters, roughly the size of a pencil eraser.
- Evolution: Any change over time in the mole’s size, shape, color, or height is the most important factor.
Additionally, any new symptoms like bleeding, itching, or a sore that does not heal require an immediate evaluation by a dermatologist.