Since the OP didn't mention any dandruff problem, I would think maxou's scalp and hair did sustain a lot of UV/salt damage during his summer holiday and the shedding/pain may be symptoms of recovery (God, I hope so).
maxou, how are things now?
No instruments other than my vocal chords (ex-choir boy/glee club alto and, work-permitting, an active member of a local a capella club), and I don't think any of us consider ourselves losers or would rather be somewhere else :)
I feel for ladysmanfelpz and consider myself very lucky not to have...