I moved to the Philippines from the U.S. (from New York) on October 13th 2004, and since then I've noticed a significant amount of hair loss and dryness to my hair. I addressed the dryness by applying regular hot oil treatments (twice a month), which helped. However, the hair loss continues. I haven't noticed any bald areas, but I'm concerned about the daily number of hairs that I lose, which seems to average about 100 (this is just a ball park figure). On the up side, I see a bunch of "baby" hairs growing -- short stubby standing up on the top of my head.

One of my hair stylists said that my scalp is dry and is the reason why the follicles are weak. The other hair stylist suspects that my hair and scalp are in shock from the change in water. The water that I use for showering has very high mineral content. On the other hand, I drink distilled or bottled/purified water.

Do you have any insights and recommendations on how to prevent or treat my hair loss?

Other info that my be helpful:
- female
- 43 years old
- get roots colored about every four weeks
- shampoo hair every two days
- cut down on hair drying and use of hair sprays since I arrived in the Philippines, (once or twice a month for both)
- I find that since I arrived here my skin becomes very dry and itchy after shower and have to apply lotion regularly.
- I take multi-vitamin, calcium, folic acid and 1000 mg C daily.
- I take Malarone daily (anti-Malaria medication)

Thank you in advance.