I have a copy of the AWA's book for Expatriates in Singapore (well worthwhile buying a copy, it has great info). They actually state that Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) can cause hair loss and lots of newcomers get this condition because of a change in their diet to eating the local food. Have you been eating out a lot in the Hawker centres? Beware - lots of MSG is used in the local dishes - it is supposed to be a flavour enhancer (I guess that if one eats food frequently containing chillies and hot spices then maybe the tastebuds become less sensitive, hence the elaborate use of MSG).
Always check if MSG has been added to whatever you are ordering - some hawker centre stalls even have a notice saying "No MSG" and check canned goods in supermarkets - for example some Heinz products are labelled "No MSG" too.
Also, it is quite stressful having a change of lifestyle and the hair loss may be due to stress - I've found that my hair comes out in handfuls too a few weeks after I've moved - but eventually it all gets back on an even keel and grows normally again. Try to relax if you can (easier said than done!)and check to see if you can buy the English "Chiver's Jelly" (jello)cubes which is sometimes on sale in Jason's deli (behind Denny's in the rear tower of Orchard Towers on Claymore Road, near Muddy Murphys). The jelly cubes which I love to eat raw - I've done it since I was a child - contain gelatine which strengthens nails and hair. I guess you could check the US packets of Jello and see if that contains gelatine too, but I've never bought the American brand so I don't know if it is in powder/crystal form or cubes and don't know if boiling water would nullify the effect. Worth a try anyway! Hope this helps and your hair recovers soon!
