What type of hair is specifically known as tactile hair?

Tactile hair is specifically referred to as whiskers, which serve as specialized sensory structures found in many mammals. These long, stiff hairs are highly sensitive and are embedded in a rich supply of nerve endings, allowing animals to detect environmental changes, navigate their surroundings, and respond to obstacles, particularly in low-light conditions. Whiskers help animals gauge the width of gaps and assess the spatial environment around them, making them vital for survival and interaction with their environment.

Other types of hair, such as melanin (which is a pigment responsible for coloration), undercoat (the soft, insulating layer beneath the outer coat), and guard hair (the longer, protective outer layer) do not possess this tactile sensitivity and are structured primarily for insulation, protection, or aesthetic purposes in the coat.