Understanding Sensitive Scalp & Scalp Pain: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments

Published: December 2014

Last Reviewed: November 2024

If you've noticed a new shampoo making your head burn or or feel itchy for no reason you can think of, you could be suffering from scalp tenderness. 

Scalp tenderness is a common concern, affecting about 60% of women and 40% of men. The causes of scalp pain vary widely, from dandruff to infection. In cases of severe sensitivity, it may indicate a hypersensitive scalp, which can often be managed with the right care and treatment. A sensitive scalp can cause discomfort and be distracting during your daily routine. Learn more about the symptoms, causes, and treatment for sensitive scalp in this article.

A sensitive scalp is one that easily reacts to external factors, often causing discomfort like itching, tingling, burning, or tightness. Although your skull is hard, the scalp is tender and has many blood vessels and nerve endings, making it prone to sensitivity. This can be caused by a weakened scalp barrier, haircare products, environmental factors like sun or cold, hormonal changes, or certain medical conditions. 

While not always visible, a sensitive scalp can be uncomfortable and may benefit from gentle care.

Symptoms of a sensitive scalp can include burning, tingling, pain, numbness, throbbing, itching and redness. Your scalp may also simply feel tight and itchy. Usually, there aren’t any visible symptoms, but sometimes, a tender scalp leads to skin peeling or flaking. Scalp sensitivity varies according to a person's scalp characteristics. This can be more frequent and intense in those with dry or greasy scalps. People with scalp tenderness also tend to have sensitive skin in another area. If your symptoms are severe, you may have a hyperreactive scalp. Whether you have a mild or extreme case, it’s important to consider what factors may be causing the sensitivity in your scalp.

You might have a sensitive scalp if:

• Your scalp reacts poorly to shampoos or hair products: Many products contain harsh cleansers or chemicals that can irritate sensitive skin.
• You’ve recently been exposed to common sensitivity triggers: If your symptoms appeared after exposure to factors like stress, environmental changes, or tight hairstyles, this may indicate sensitivity.

On the other hand, you could have a specific scalp condition if:

• You notice red, scaly patches on your scalp: This could be a sign of psoriasis.
• Your scalp is extremely itchy: Persistent itchiness may indicate a dry, itchy scalp condition.
• You see white flakes or yellowish scales on your scalp and hair: These symptoms are often associated with dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis.

Understanding these symptoms can help guide you to the right care for a healthy, comfortable scalp.

If your scalp feels painful, it may be due to inflammation, sensitive scalp or external irritants. Further irritation can lead to a more significant inflammatory response. A sensitive scalp is primarily caused by haircare products, environmental factors, hair styling, hormonal changes, and skin conditions. When any of these factors disrupt your skin's natural protective barrier, microinflammations can develop, making the scalp more vulnerable to irritation.

Shampoos, conditioners, and styling products containing ingredients that may trigger irritation, especially for sensitive skin, are one of the main causes of scalp sensitivity for many people. The harsh cleansers or surfactants in many shampoos can wash away the scalp’s acid mantle – the natural acidity that protects your skin – leaving it susceptible to dryness and irritation.

Exposure to certain climatic conditions (e.g. sun, cold, heat, wind), pollution or stress can also cause you to experience sensitivity in the scalp area. If you have thin hair, or none at all, the skin on your head is more susceptible to sunburn, increasing the risk of solar keratosis. Considering these and other factors will help you determine why your skin is so sensitive and how to improve its condition best.

Skin conditions like dandruff, eczema (atopic dermatitis), psoriasis, and seborrheic dermatitis can lead to a sensitive scalp.

Atopic dermatitis is a common condition associated with general inflammation of the skin and can affect the scalp. Symptoms of atopic dermatitis include swelling, flakes, crusts or blisters.

Hair styling, especially with chemical treatments like dyes, relaxers, or bleaches, can make the scalp sensitive by causing dryness and irritations. Tight hairstyles, headbands, or helmets add pressure, leading to scalp discomfort and tenderness.

Hormonal changes, such as during puberty, pregnancy, menopause, or stress, can lead to sensitive skin by altering the balance of sebum (natural scalp oil) production. Fluctuations in hormones like oestrogen, progesterone, and cortisol can cause the scalp to become either oilier or drier than usual, making it more prone to irritation, dryness, and sensitivity.

When one or more of the above factors disrupt your skin's natural protective barrier, microinflammations of the scalp can also become a leading cause of increased sensitivity. They occur when the skin cells in your scalp become inflamed, making it more vulnerable to irritation.

Microinflammations are mild skin inflammations that are so subtle that clinical tests often can’t detect them. However, by examining skin tissue affected by microinflammations, researchers can identify inflammatory immune cells, indicating that the skin is reacting to irritation and trying to heal itself. If these skin cells experience further irritation, they may trigger a more significant inflammatory response.

Scalp pain can also be worsened or triggered by hair loss. If you experience sudden hair loss or brittle hair, you may have an underlying health problem such as thyroid disease, iron deficiency, or an autoimmune disease. Some medications can also cause hair loss. Contact a doctor if you are at all concerned.

Treating a sensitive scalp takes a careful approach to soothe irritation and restore comfort. Begin by using gentle, fragrance-free shampoos and conditioners that are free from harsh chemicals and allergens. 

Limiting heat styling and incorporating scalp treatments with soothing ingredients like aloe vera or urea can also help hydrate and calm your scalp.

Eucerin DermoCapillaire Calming Urea Shampoo is designed for dry, sensitive scalps, providing essential hydration with urea and lactate to relieve dryness, itching, and irritation. Its gentle, fragrance-free formula effectively cleanses without stripping the scalp, making it safe for daily use and ideal for those with conditions like eczema or psoriasis. Dermatologically tested, this shampoo supports a healthy scalp barrier, promoting comfort and moisture balance.

Eucerin DermoCapillaire Calming Urea Scalp Treatment is an intensive leave-in formula designed to soothe and hydrate dry, itchy, and sensitive scalps. Enriched with urea and lactate, it deeply moisturises to relieve dryness and reduce flakiness, while its gentle, non-greasy texture absorbs quickly and doesn’t weigh hair down. Free from fragrances and colourants, it offers calming relief and lasting comfort to sensitive scalps.

To ease scalp pain, ibuprofen or similar over-the-counter medication can relieve inflammation or headaches. Essential oils, like rosemary or lavender, can help heal sores that may be the cause of scalp tenderness once diluted.

In many cases, conditions causing scalp tenderness will go away without treatment. However, there are some steps you can take to treat a sore scalp:

• gently massage the scalp with your fingertips in circular motions (make sure your nails aren't too long)
• apply ice in 10-minute intervals
• use tools to manipulate the scalp, like a massager or scrubber
• slowly let down hair that has been held in a tight position for a long time

If the treatments outlined above do not relieve scalp irritation, your symptoms are severe, or your scalp becomes inflamed, weepy or sore, your doctor may prescribe stronger medication or a special shampoo.