What is a common sign of scalp irritation?

Redness or itching is a common sign of scalp irritation because these symptoms indicate inflammation or an adverse reaction to products, environmental factors, or underlying skin conditions. When the scalp is irritated, it often triggers the body's inflammatory response, resulting in visible redness. Itching accompanies redness as the condition may be irritating the nerve endings in the skin, prompting a sensation of discomfort and the urge to scratch.

In contrast, while flaking or scaling can also indicate some level of irritation or other scalp conditions, it is more commonly associated with issues like dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis rather than direct irritation. Overoiling and excessive dryness can contribute to scalp issues but are often symptoms of different underlying problems, such as oily scalp conditions or dry scalp syndromes, rather than direct indicators of irritation itself.