Bristol has topped the list for one of the worst areas to live in to maintain healthy hair, according to the latest recent data. Experts at Europe's largest hair clinic, Elithair, have analysed the areas in the UK with the hardest and softest water after several academic studies have shown that hard water exacerbates can damage hair.
Researchers at University of Sheffield found an increase in cases of dermatitis as well as damage to the scalp in people living in an area with high water hardness.
Frequent dandruff or a very sensitive scalp to water as well as pimples or itching are all signs of the effect of water on the hair. Lengths can also become coarse in certain types of hair, such as curly hair or very porous hair.
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Hair loss can be another indication of this condition as a result of itching and inflammation. In most cases, it is only temporary hair loss, and you will be able to reverse it if appropriate treatment is initiated.
Bath, Guildford, Milton Keynes, Hemel Hempstead and Oxford were also among the worst places to live with the hardest water in the UK.
Cities in the UK for optimum hair health include; Liverpool, Lancashire, Cumbria, Greater Manchester and Preston.
Dr Balwi, leading hair specialist, at Elithair, says: "Limestone is actually quite beneficial to our bodies, despite its bad reputation. It is a mineral made up of calcium ions, carbonate ions or oxides, which covers the need for magnesium and fights against cardiovascular disease.
"If limestone brings benefits from the inside, on the other hand, it can damage the outside of the body for the same properties, aggressive to our skin.
"However hard water damages the hair fibre, causing dryness and split ends when used regularly. As a result, the hair becomes dull and brittle. This can lead to long-term hair loss. There are alternatives to mitigate the effects of limescale on our hair as it is not possible for everyone to move to Wales or East Scotland."
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