Yeah I've seen this happen a lot on my charries, I have no clue what does it, all I know is that when I zone sometimes I'm covered in white, othertimes by a redheaded head, other times by an atroxes head....
Certain visual effects are compromised as you zone. I don't know all the specifics of which and how, but you get different effects based on the items you have equipped. Think I got a helm that winks out for a split second when I zone.