Which term describes the area within or surrounding a hair design?

The term that describes the area within or surrounding a hair design is "space." In the context of design principles, space refers to the three-dimensional quality in a design that allows for movement and creates a visual impact. It can also refer to the "negative space," which is the area that is not occupied by the actual hair but still forms part of the overall aesthetic and structure of the hairstyle. Understanding space is essential in hair design because it affects how shapes and lines are perceived, allowing the stylist to create balance, proportion, and harmony in the overall look.

The other options relate to different components of hair design but do not specifically define the area surrounding the design. Volume base refers to the point where the hairstyle has height or lift, while symmetry refers to the balance and proportion of the design on either side of a central axis. The stem is the section of hair between the base and the first turn of the hair in a curl or wave. These terms are integral to hair design but do not describe the area within or surrounding it as effectively as space does.