What part of the nail extends over the tip of the finger?

The free edge of the nail is the part that extends beyond the tip of the finger. This area is what you see when you look at a nail from the front. The free edge is important not only for aesthetics but also for protection, as it helps guard the sensitive tips of the fingers. It is the portion that can be shaped and polished in manicures and often shows the growth of the nail, as it is the part that grows outwards.

Understanding the function and anatomy of the nail is essential for anyone in cosmetology, particularly when providing services such as manicures or nail enhancements. Other parts of the nail, such as the nail bed, nail plate, and cuticle, play integral roles in the overall structure and health of the nail but do not extend over the fingertip like the free edge does.