I have sore itchy ears that comes and goes for a few weeks. is it just ear wax or an infection?

Ears itch: Probably dermatitis either from no wax, chemical irritation (soap, shampoo), Q-tip trauma. Do not use q-tips deepen ear. Try some 1% hydrocortisone, apply to outer part of ear canal with q-tip two to three times a day when have symptoms

Allergies: could just be a symptom of allergies

Otitis externa: In my experience these symptoms of the external ear canal may be a mixture of eczematoid dermatitis, bacterial and/or fungal infection and the otitis externa responds well to a preparation like cortisporin otic which treats all those possibilities. Discuss this with your physician who can prescribe the medication if he/she agrees with the diagnosis and treatment plan.

Contact allergy : This may be from an allergic contact reaction to hair products (such as shampoo and conditioner) or less commonly hair dye. Consider trying different types of hair products (Free-and-Clear etc) for a month and see if this help. Topical cortisone may help but the problem will come back until the contact has ceased. Consult a dermatologist if problem persists.