Root hairs matter! Let’s talk about it! 💪 The function of all root hairs is to collect water and mineral nutrients in the soil to be sent throughout the plant. In roots, most water absorption happens through the root hairs. The length of root hairs allows them to penetrate between soil particles and actually prevents harmful bacterial organisms from entering the plant through the xylem vessels. Increasing the surface area of these hairs makes plants more efficient in absorbing nutrients and int