What is the portion of the hair that we see above the skin's surface called?

The portion of the hair that is visible above the skin's surface is called the hair shaft. This part of the hair extends from the hair bulb within the follicle and is made up of a protein called keratin. The hair shaft is what we style, cut, and color, making it the most recognizable part during grooming and hair care practices.

The hair root, in contrast, is located beneath the skin and is responsible for anchoring the hair into the scalp. The hair follicle is a small sheath that surrounds the root and plays a crucial role in hair growth. The term "hair strand" may colloquially refer to an individual hair but is not the correct terminology used in the context of this question. Recognizing these distinct parts of the hair helps in understanding various aspects of hair health and styling techniques.