Gel flaking or dandruff?

Hi everyone, I’m looking for some advice. Long story short- I’ve been putting my hair in braids for over 2 years and recently, my braids have not been lasting long due to the fact I’m getting this flaky residue in my hair. I personally think it is gel, as she uses a lot of gel on my hair. However upon speaking to my braider, she insists that this is dandruff. I’ve had dandruff as a child and I do not recall it being a) this colour and b) this size.

I love how she does the hair, but for the last 3 styles I’ve got this flaking after a few days and then it’s get worse and worse as the days go by. It’s awful and is making me reconsider just cutting my hair off.

If you do think it is gel flaking, please let me know what gels are good for not flaking. If you think it’s dandruff, please let me know products I should be using in my hair (3c/4a).

TIA