What is the portion of hair that projects from the skin surface called?

The portion of hair that projects from the skin surface is known as the shaft. The shaft is the visible part of the hair that extends above the skin, which is made up of dead, keratinized cells that provide structure and strength. This part of the hair plays a significant role in protection and aesthetic appearance, as it is what people see and often style.

Understanding the hair structure is important; the underlying part of the hair, which includes the root and bulb, is located below the skin surface and is responsible for hair growth and nourishment, but it is the shaft that is prominently visible. The follicle, on the other hand, is the structure from which the hair grows, anchoring it in the skin but does not extend above the surface itself.