What is the part of the hair that extends above the skin surface called?

The correct terminology for the part of the hair that extends above the skin surface is the shaft. The hair shaft is the visible part of the hair that you can see and touch. It is composed of keratin, a type of protein, and is essentially the hair's structure that protrudes from the follicle beneath the skin.

The other terms refer to different parts of the hair structure. The follicle is the part of the skin that surrounds the hair root and extends down into the dermis, serving as the hair's anchor. The root is the part of the hair that lies beneath the skin and includes the hair bulb, where hair growth occurs. The bulb is located at the base of the follicle and is responsible for the production of hair cells.

Understanding these terms is essential for anyone working in the esthetics or cosmetology fields, as they provide a foundation for discussing hair growth, types of hair, and related treatments in a professional context.