West Virginia Cosmetology Board Practice Exam

Itching and redness are common symptoms of an allergic reaction to a hair product. When the skin comes into contact with an allergen present in the product, it can trigger an immune response which manifests as localized irritation. This response often includes symptoms such as bumps, redness, swelling, and itching, indicating that the body is reacting to a substance perceived as harmful.

The body’s histamines are released in response to the allergen, leading to these inflammatory symptoms. In contrast, dryness typically results from excessive use of certain products or environmental factors rather than an allergy, while increased shine is a desired effect usually attributable to conditioning agents rather than reactions. Hair loss can occur for various reasons but is less directly associated with an immediate allergic response to hair products compared to itching and redness. Thus, the presence of itching and redness is a clear indicator of an allergic reaction.