[harryneild (OP)]

A few months ago i noticed a thick hair growing on my shoulder, similar to the hairs on the head. I plucked it out and thought nothing of it. Now ive noticed it again except there are about 5 in a small clump. These are a lot thicker than normal arm hairs.

I bet if i pluck them again there will be more.

What is the cause of this? A Mutation of the cells? Am i turning into an ape? Is it similar to the hairs that may grow out of moles?

Greatly appreciate any replies

[MooseHole]

Contrary to popular belief, plucking, shaving, trimming, etc does not in itself make more hair grow.  Some people think that this produces rougher hair, but this stems from the fact that short (think stubble) hair feels rougher than long hair.  Your hair folicles don't give a crap about what happens to your hair after the folicle is done with that part of it.  It's just dead cells.

To specifically answer your question, you're turning into an ape.  You'd better stock up on bananas before the grocery store stops letting you in.

[Ray hinton]

i suggest you watch "the fly" staring geoff goldblum,he had a hair come out of his arm, and look how he ended up.

RE-HAB IS FOR QUITTERS.

[neilep]

Harry...don't worry, perhaps your shoulder is featured in the Readers Digest tour guide   'Hirsute's Guide To Human Shoulders For Thick Hair'.......

......You clearly must have a shoulder of outstanding natural beauty.

Men are the same as women.... just inside out !!

[totulsaoklahoma9]

What is the cause of this? I think that might be normal to a person... some people has less and some people have more...

[carreerslut]

Had an accident in the area recently?  Sometimes changes in hair growth or quality can come about after eg. if it's your shoulder a dislocation.

Is there a mole there?  It may be a very faint one - feel if the skin is raised maybe.  If it is a mole and is unusually large or not smooth around the edges worth pointing it out to your doctor.

And yes could just be a random mutation, happens now and again.  Had a relative with a hair on his leg which grew like head hair, longer and longer and curling around on itself, inches long.  He'd pluck it out, and off it would grow again.  All on its ownsome.

I am a beliver in plucking.   Think it weakens the follicle and the regrowth sometimes is finer.  But be careful if you pluck always to follow the direction of the hair growth and let it grow a bit again before you pull it out.  Regrowth may seem quick but is not, it's just the new hair underneath popping up.

The care is to avoid damaging the follictle.  Ingroing hairs are not only unsightly but can harbour infection, and overplucking is a common cause.  If they do get ingrown, tease them out gently with a pointed object eg. safety pin - you may need to remove the top layer of skin but no more i.e should not cause bleeding.  Then leave hair alone to recover a few weeks before plucking again. 

Even better, invest in a good quality epilator.  They really do a good job but they can be pricey.