As a child, I remember seeing cartoons of princesses and witches and noticing how the witches all had one thing in common: big hairy moles on their faces.
At the time, I had no idea that having moles was actually a pretty normal thing — and now, I have quite a few of my own.
In a world so obsessed with appearance, it's easy to think of moles as "impurities" on our skin. Luckily, many people grow comfortable with their moles as they get older.
Even if you love your moles, you might be wondering what it means when they start to grow hair.
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Many people find dark, thick hairs growing through their moles from time to time. But is it dangerous to have hairy moles? Can you pluck the hair? Should you just leave it alone? How do you know if you should ask a doctor about it?
Find out the answers to these questions below!
Why Do We Have Moles?
According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, "Moles are growths on the skin that are usually brown or black."
Moles grow when skin cells grow in a cluster instead of spreading out. The reason they're a different color is because these cells make pigment.
Why Do Moles Grow Hair?
As with the rest of our skin, hair grows naturally from follicles.
The reason moles grow hair is actually pretty straightforward: if there's a follicle in the mole, it will grow a hair.
Your mole may grow just one hair, or it may grow more, depending on how many follicles there are.
Is Mole Hair Normal?
Yes, mole hair is absolutely normal!
Typically, women have less body hair than men, so our mole hairs may not be as prevalent, but they can still appear there.
Why Are Mole Hairs Darker Than Other Hairs?
If any of your moles grow hair, you may have noticed that these hairs are significantly darker than other hair on your body.
Just as the skin on your moles can be darker, the hair can also be darker.
Since mole skin cells make pigment, the hairs can be thicker and darker than hair elsewhere.
Does Hair Mean The Mole Is Cancerous?
If you find a hair in your mole, it does not necessarily mean the mole is cancerous.
According to The New York Times, any mole can be cancerous, whether or not it has a hair. That said, a mole with a hair is actually less likely to become cancerous.
Why? Cancer cells are abnormal, but if a hair is growing, it likely means the cells are just normal mole cells.
Can I Get Rid Of Mole Hairs?
Yes, you can get rid of your mole hairs! Like most other hair on your body, you can remove it without worrying about too many health issues.
Feel free to shave, wax, pluck, or use electrolysis on your mole hairs.
What If My Mole Hair Gets Ingrown?
As with any other body hair that you remove, it can unfortunately become ingrown.
If a mole hair becomes ingrown, it can cause irritation and inflammation, but you should treat it just like any other ingrown hair on your body.
When Should I Be Concerned?
The only reason to be concerned about a hairy mole is if it shows any signs of skin cancer — asymmetry, irregular border, variations in color, change over time, or large size.
If you're worried about a mole you have, visit a dermatologist.
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*Disclaimer: The advice on LittleThings is not a substitute for consultation with a medical professional or treatment for a specific condition. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem without consulting a qualified professional. Please contact your health-care provider with questions and concerns.
