READING is ahead of the country when it comes to having problem hair.
A study by the University of Sheffield blames the town’s hard water for causing scalp damage and even dandruff.
It claims Reading is the worse place to live in the UK to maintain healthy hair with Liverpool and Preston named two of the best.
Experts at Elithair, Europe’s largest hair clinic say the Sheffield study supports other academic data showing hard water exacerbates dermatological problems.
Warning signs include itching and inflammation while investing in a water softener can help keep hair healthy.
Dr. Abdulaziz Balwi, a leading hair specialist at Elithair, warned hard water damages the hair fibre, causing dryness and split ends when used regularly.
He advised people to check their local council’s website to find out about the water quality where they live.
“A quicker and more effective way to check if you have scale in your water is to have a look at your taps and appliances. If you see white streaks or hard deposits, the limescale level is high,” he said.
“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.”
Dr Balwi also advised using an anti-limestone shower head and using bottled rather than tap water.
