Why Do Moles Grow Hair?
Wellness & SelfcareSkin Care

Why Does My Mole Have a Hair Growing Out of It?

Why Does My Mole Have a Hair Growing Out of It?
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Published on February 6, 2026
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Legend has it that a hair growing out of a mole will bring good luck.

 However, for some people, a hairy mole is an undesirable (though completely normal) occurrence.
Usually, a mole with a hair is nothing to worry about, but there are some symptoms that warrant a trip to the doctor. Here’s what you should know.

What Is a Mole?

A mole is a very common type of skin growth — in fact, most people have 10 to 40 of them.

There are three main types:

  • Common Nevi These are typical moles, which are pink, brown, or tan with a defined border.
  • Congenital Nevi These are moles that you’re born with, which occur in about one in 100 people.
  • Dysplastic Nevi These are moles that have irregular shapes and are larger than a pencil eraser; these moles also tend to have uneven shading, often dark brown in the center and lighter on the edges.
Dysplastic nevi tend to be hereditary and may put you at greater risk of melanoma, a type of skin cancer. If you notice any changes in a mole, it’s important to see a doctor for an evaluation (more on that below).

Why Do Some Moles Grow Hair?

Hair growth in a mole simply means that there is a functioning hair follicle under or next to the mole, explains Melanie Palm, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and cosmetic surgeon based in San Diego.

“If a mole happens to be located in an area where there is an active hair follicle, hair may grow through or adjacent to the mole,” Dr. Palm says.

How to Remove Hair From a Mole

If you’d like to remove hair from a mole, first ask your dermatologist to evaluate it to make sure it isn’t a sign of a larger problem. “If the mole has been examined by a dermatologist and confirmed benign, trimming the hair close to the skin with small scissors or an electric trimmer is the safest approach,” says Maral Kibarian Skelsey, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and clinical professor of dermatology at Georgetown University Medical School in Chevy Chase, Maryland.

Avoid plucking, waxing, or using chemical hair removers on the mole itself, since these can cause irritation, inflammation, or infection — and make it harder to spot changes in the mole later, Palm says.

 “When a mole is repeatedly plucked, waxed, cut, or exposed to chemical hair removers, the skin can become inflamed, scabbed, or infected,” Palm adds. “Those changes can temporarily alter the mole’s color, border, symmetry, or size, which are the very features we rely on to monitor moles for concerning changes.”

Meanwhile, shaving can work on some moles, but may cut others. “I would only recommend shaving over a mole if it is flat and benign,” Palm says. “Still, you run the risk of nicking or cutting the mole, causing bleeding, scabbing, or infection — which may make the mole’s appearance change, complicating monitoring.”

If you accidentally cut or irritate your mole, Mayo Clinic recommends keeping the area clean and seeing your doctor if it doesn’t heal after three weeks.

 That said, if something feels unusual about how your mole is healing, Palm suggests seeing a doctor right away. “When it comes to moles, it’s better to err on the side of caution — especially since early evaluation gives us clarity and peace of mind,” Palm says.

You should only get electrolysis or laser hair removal if a dermatologist has evaluated the mole. These treatments can alter the mole’s appearance, potentially masking early warning signs of melanoma, Skelsey says. “When in doubt, it’s best to have the mole, or the hair removal itself, managed under a dermatologist’s guidance,” she notes.

When to See a Doctor

Many moles, including those that have hair, are harmless — but a mole that changes color, shape, size, or texture always warrants a visit to a dermatologist, Skelsey says.

“If hair that used to grow from a mole suddenly stops growing, or if the mole flattens, darkens, bleeds, or becomes crusty, that could also be a warning sign and should be evaluated by your dermatologist,” Skelsey explains.

In addition to those signs, monitor for what’s known in dermatology as the ABCDEs of melanoma:

  • Asymmetry One half of the mole looks different from the other.
  • Border It has an irregular, poorly defined, or scalloped border.
  • Color The mole has varying colors or shades.
  • Diameter Melanomas are typically larger than the size of a pencil eraser, but can be smaller.
  • Evolving The mole changes in size, color, or shape.

If you notice any of these changes, see your doctor for an evaluation.

“A primary care provider can and should evaluate moles at a general level,” Palm says. “However, for moles that are irregular or changing, it’s more prudent to go straight to a board-certified dermatologist for their specialized expertise in dermoscopy, skin cancer detection, biopsy, excision, and more.”

The Takeaway

  • Most moles that grow hair are completely normal and simply reflect the presence of a nearby hair follicle.
  • The safest way to remove a hair from a mole is to trim it with scissors or an electric trimmer, and it’s best to avoid other methods like plucking, waxing, or chemical hair removers, as they may cause irritation, inflammation, or infection.
  • Hairy moles with certain characteristics — like an undefined border, different shades or colors, or a hair that stops growing — should be evaluated by a doctor.
  • Monitor for the ABCDEs of moles, which can be warning signs: asymmetry (one half looks different), border (irregular), color (varying), diameter (larger than a pencil eraser), and evolving (changing in time).
Meet Our Experts
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Blair Murphy-Rose, MD

Medical Reviewer
Castle Connolly Top Doctor

Blair Murphy-Rose, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist in New York City and the founder of Skincare Junkie. She is an accomplished cosmetic, medical, and surgical dermatologist, specializing in leading-edge facial rejuvenation techniques, including injectable fillers and botulinum toxin injections, advanced laser procedures, noninvasive body contouring, and removing lumps and bumps with precision. She is an expert in the treatment and detection of medical conditions, including skin cancer, acne, rosacea, eczema, and psoriasis. Dr. Rose believes in a comprehensive approach to skin health and incorporating a skin-care routine tailored specifically for each individual and utilizing a wide array of tools to target specific skin concerns.

Rose has been published in peer-reviewed journals, including the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, Dermatology Surgery, and Pediatric Dermatology, and has been featured in numerous publications, including Vogue, Elle, Allure, Cosmopolitan, Self, Women’s Health, The Wall Street Journal, and The New York Times.

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Kelsey Kloss

Author

Kelsey Kloss is a health and wellness journalist with over a decade of experience. She started her career as an in-house editor for brands including Reader’s Digest, Elle Decor, Good Housekeeping, Prevention, Woman's Day, and Redbook, and her work has been featured in over 50 publications.

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Everyday Health follows strict sourcing guidelines to ensure the accuracy of its content, outlined in our editorial policy. We use only trustworthy sources, including peer-reviewed studies, board-certified medical experts, patients with lived experience, and information from top institutions.
Resources
  1. What It Means When a Mole Grows Hair, According to a Dermatologist. U.S. Dermatology Partners. April 20, 2024.
  2. Moles. National Health Service. July 4, 2023.
  3. Moles. Cleveland Clinic. February 2, 2021.
  4. How Does Hair Removal Affect My Mole? Columbia Health. November 23, 2018.
  5. Moles. Mayo Clinic. December 15, 2023.
  6. 11 Signs It’s Time to Get Your Moles Checked Out by Your Dermatologist. Allura Skin & Laser Center. November 1, 2024.
  7. What to Look For: ABCDEs of Melanoma. American Academy of Dermatology.