Maine Barber Practice Exam 2025 - Free Barber Practice Questions and Study Guide

A common symptom of dandruff is characterized by a flaky, dry scalp. Dandruff occurs when the scalp sheds dead skin cells more frequently than normal, sometimes due to conditions like dry skin, seborrheic dermatitis, or a sensitivity to hair care products. The presence of these flakes is a significant indicator of dandruff, and they are often visible in the hair and on clothing.

While an itchy scalp can be associated with dandruff, it isn't the defining symptom, as itchiness can have various other causes. A greasy scalp can also occur in individuals with dandruff, particularly when there's an underlying issue like seborrheic dermatitis, but it does not represent the dry, flaky nature that is most commonly associated with the condition. Hair loss is generally not a direct symptom of dandruff itself, although severe itching and scratching due to irritation could potentially lead to hair breakage. Thus, the defining characteristic of dandruff is indeed the presence of flakes that signify a dry scalp, which aligns with the correct answer.