Dandruff flakes are typically white or gray, though they can sometimes appear yellowish. The color can depend on several factors, including the underlying cause and the individual's hair color. Darker hair makes lighter-colored flakes more visible.
Understanding Dandruff Flakes
Dandruff is a common scalp condition characterized by the shedding of dead skin cells. These cells appear as flakes on the scalp and often fall onto the shoulders. The most common cause is seborrheic dermatitis, which results in oily, red, and scaly skin. This condition causes the characteristic white or yellow scales to flake off.
- White or Gray Flakes: These are the most common appearance of dandruff flakes. The references clearly state that dandruff causes "white or grey" flakes.
- Yellow Flakes: These can also occur, sometimes indicating a more severe form or a different underlying condition. One source specifically addresses "yellow dandruff."
- Visibility: The visibility of dandruff flakes is influenced by hair color. Flakes are more noticeable against darker hair.
Several shampoos are designed to treat dandruff, and some are specifically formulated to be safe for color-treated hair. This is important because some dandruff shampoos may alter the color of light hair.
Several references confirm these points:
- Healthline: States that seborrheic dermatitis, the main cause of dandruff, creates "white or yellow scales."
- WebMD: Describes dandruff as causing "white or yellow skin flakes."
- Medical News Today: Mentions that certain dandruff shampoos may affect the color of light hair.
- Various product websites: Multiple shampoo product descriptions (Verb, Biolage, Oribe, Briogeo, Jupiter) advertise their products as treating dandruff while also being safe for color-treated hair, indirectly confirming the potential for dandruff shampoos to affect hair color.
