What is the role of root hairs?

Root hairs are tiny hair-like structures that grow on the surface of plant roots. Their main function is to increase the area available for the absorption of water and minerals and other nutrients. Root hairs are thin structures that can only survive for a few days. They do not have the ability to become roots.
Root hairs attach to root epidermal cells, and in addition to effectively increasing surface area to absorb water and nutrients, they also increase the amount of available exploitable soil and help anchor the plant in the soil.