Hair often grows from moles, sometimes appearing thicker or growing faster than hair on surrounding skin. While this might seem unusual, it is generally a normal and harmless occurrence. Understanding the biological reasons behind this growth can clarify this common skin feature.
Understanding Moles and Hair
Moles, also known as nevi, are common skin growths. They develop when pigment-producing cells, called melanocytes, grow in clusters instead of being evenly distributed. Most moles appear during childhood and adolescence, though some are present at birth. These clusters are typically benign, meaning non-cancerous.
Hair follicles are tunnel-like structures within the skin’s outer layer (epidermis) that extend into the deeper dermis. Each follicle houses a hair strand’s root and produces hair. Hair growth occurs in a continuous cycle with distinct phases: anagen (active growth), catagen (transition), telogen (resting), and exogen (shedding).
The Science Behind Faster Hair Growth
Accelerated hair growth in moles stems from several biological factors. Moles often have a richer blood supply than surrounding skin. This increased blood flow delivers more nutrients and oxygen to the hair follicles within the mole, fostering robust and faster hair growth.
The dense concentration of melanocytes and other cells within a mole creates a unique cellular landscape. This environment produces higher levels of specific growth factors, such as osteopontin. These factors stimulate hair follicle activity and can prolong the anagen phase of the hair cycle. Hair follicles within moles can also be larger or more developed than those in adjacent skin, contributing to thicker or coarser hairs.
Moles do not impede the normal structure or function of hair follicles, allowing hair to grow through them. The increased melanin, the pigment responsible for the mole’s color, can be absorbed by the hair shaft. This often makes hair growing from a mole appear darker and more noticeable than other body hairs.
What Hairy Moles Mean for Your Health
Hair growing from a mole is generally a reassuring sign, often indicating the mole is benign. This is because hair growth signifies organized, normally functioning cells that support a healthy hair follicle. In contrast, malignant moles (melanomas) typically show disorganized cell growth that disrupts hair follicle function, making hair growth less likely.
However, monitor all moles for changes that could indicate a health concern. Dermatologists recommend using the ABCDEs of melanoma for self-examination:
Asymmetry (one half does not match the other)
Border irregularity (uneven, notched, or scalloped edges)
Color variation (multiple shades or uneven color distribution)
Diameter (larger than 6 millimeters, about the size of a pencil eraser)
Evolving (any change in size, shape, color, or elevation, or new symptoms like itching or bleeding)
If any of these changes are observed, consult a dermatologist for evaluation.
Managing Hair on Moles
For individuals bothered by hair on moles, several safe removal methods exist. Trimming or clipping hair close to the skin is typically the safest and most recommended approach. This minimizes potential irritation to the mole.
Shaving over a mole is also safe, similar to trimming, but avoid nicking raised moles. While generally safe, pluck or tweeze hair gently to prevent irritation or ingrown hairs. Waxing, for instance, carries a higher risk of irritating or traumatizing the mole due to the pulling motion.
Laser hair removal is an option, but requires careful consideration and should only be performed by a qualified professional after a dermatologist confirms the mole’s benign nature. Lasers target pigment; direct exposure can cause temporary darkening, lightening, or changes in the mole’s appearance, potentially making future skin cancer detection more challenging. Never attempt to remove the mole itself; this must only be done by a medical professional.