Hairy Moles

What are hairy moles?

Hairy moles develop when the mole contains hair follicles, so the hair pushes through the darker pigmentation.

For most mole removal patients, the main concern is their appearance, which depending on the location and presentation of the mole, can be for a wide variety of reasons unwelcome.

Hairy facial moles

Perhaps the worst kind of mole, aesthetically, is one that appears on the face and has hair sprouting. Often the hair can grow longer or thicker or even a different colour to the surrounding area, attracting further attention.

Many patients do not understand how to deal with the problem and are rightfully cautious about any treatment for facial moles, which means that the hair continues to grow unchecked.

Hair mole removal

For ugly, hairy moles; mole removal is the fastest and most comprehensive solution. This will remove the mole and the hair all in one go. Unfortunately the NHS consider mole removal to be a cosmetic procedure unless there is a medical concern in which case it should be covered on the NHS as a priority. However, Cosmedics Skin Clinics offer private mole removal with no waiting lists.

Why do moles grow hairs?

Moles are made of skin cells and share many of the properties including the potential to grow hair. Hairy moles tend to appear in areas where hair is prone to grow i.e. the chin and upper lip (this applies to women as well as men).

These areas have strong hair roots, so growth can be surprisingly fast and thick. It is not of any medical concern, but we do understand that patients do not like the look of it.

Is it safe to remove hair from a mole?

There is no evidence to suggest that removing hairs from moles is harmful in any way. Most moles are not ‘cancerous’ and do not have the potential to become so. However, it is sensible to treat this area with some caution to avoid sensitivity which could cause redness or swelling.

Plucking with tweezers is the most common method of mole hair removal. Many men shave over moles on a daily basis and this causes no harm. Depending on the area, waxing may be considered. If the mole is raised, then it is sensible to avoid any activity that could damage the mole.

How are moles removed?

Mole removal is a very simple and quick procedure with a trained doctor, requiring just a local anaesthetic.

There will be a tiny scar after healing which will have normal skin characteristics i.e. will not regrow the thick/long mole hair.

Laser mole removal or surgical techniques such as shave excision or ellipse excision are available at Cosmedics Skin Clinics.