Dry dandruff is characterized by white, dry flakes of skin that don't cling to your hair, as per Verywell Health. The scalp can feel irritated and appear red, and the root cause can be anything from sensitivity to certain beauty product ingredients, a dry scalp, or even different illnesses like psoriasis and fungal infections.

On the other hand, wet dandruff can seem wet to the touch, but it's actually just greasy; that's why it's also known as oily dandruff. Wet dandruff is distinguished by larger yellow flakes that mix with scalp oils and therefore stick to your hair and scalp.

"[Wet dandruff] can mimic the symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis, scalp psoriasis, and eczema," Anna Chacon, MD, a double board-certified dermatologist, illustrates to Stylecraze, adding that the condition can lead to hair loss if not treated properly. Unlike dry dandruff, wet dandruff is more often caused by bad hygiene habits, according to Verywell Health, but it can also appear as a symptom of scalp ringworm, psoriasis, and dermatitis.