Tension headache: This is often the most common cause of scalp tenderness, typically presenting with bilateral scalp pain and tenderness, often accompanied by neck pain and headache.

Migraine: Can cause scalp tenderness, especially during or after an episode, often accompanied by other migraine symptoms like headache, nausea, and sensitivity to light and sound.
Scalp dermatitis: Conditions like eczema, psoriasis, or contact dermatitis can lead to scalp tenderness due to inflammation and skin irritation.
Scalp folliculitis: An inflammatory condition affecting the hair follicles, which can cause tenderness, redness, and pus-filled bumps on the scalp.

Temporal arteritis (Giant Cell Arteritis): A serious condition that can cause scalp tenderness, especially in older adults, and is associated with jaw claudication, visual disturbances, and elevated ESR. Missing this diagnosis can lead to blindness or stroke.
Meningitis: Although less common, meningitis can present with scalp tenderness, along with symptoms like fever, headache, stiff neck, and altered mental status. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent serious complications.
Subgaleal hematoma: A rare but potentially life-threatening condition, especially in newborns, where blood accumulates between the skull and scalp, causing tenderness and swelling.

Trichodynia: A condition characterized by scalp pain and tenderness, often associated with hair loss disorders like androgenetic alopecia or telogen effluvium.
Neuropathic pain syndromes: Certain conditions like trigeminal neuralgia or occipital neuralgia can cause scalp tenderness, usually described as sharp, stabbing, or electric shock-like pain.
Sarcoidosis: A systemic disease that can affect the scalp, causing tenderness, skin lesions, and hair loss, among other symptoms.