Can a tension headache cause your scalp to be so tender it hurt to brush hair?

Maybe: Talk with your doctor. I believe temporal arteritis should be considered.

Absolutely : Tension headaches are the most common type of headache. They can range in severity from mild to severe and last from a few minutes to days. Affected area is usually skull region and/or neck. When headache occurs, muscles covering the scalp and neck spasm causing pain. Since muscles are located just under the scalp, it can be painful to the touch. Usually responds to over-the-counter pain meds.