What is the name of the visible portion of the nail?

The visible portion of the nail is known as the nail plate. This structure is what most people recognize as the nail itself; it is the hard, keratinized layer that protects the underlying sensitive tissues. The nail plate extends from the nail root at the base of the nail to the free edge at the tip of the finger or toe.

The nail matrix, located beneath the cuticle at the base of the nail, is where new nail cells are produced, leading to nail growth, but it is not visible. The nail bed is the skin beneath the nail plate that supports it, playing a crucial role in nail health, but it is also not visible as a part of the nail itself. The cuticle is the layer of dead skin at the base of the nail that protects the area between the skin and the nail plate from infection, but it is not the visible portion of the nail. Understanding these distinctions is essential for both professional practice and general knowledge in cosmetology.