Have you ever stopped to think about how where you live could impact your hair health – and that of your clients? To determine the best and worst areas to live for skin and hair health in the UK, a new study by Mira Showers measured how many pollutants are in our water supplies and within the air across different counties in the UK. Each area was then ranked and given a score out of 100. Keep reading to find out which area came out on top…
South London and Kent Aren't Great for Healthy Hair and Skin
According to the research, South London and Kent are the worst areas to live for overall skin and hair health; London is known for high levels of air and water pollution. South London also has a staggering 1,000% more magnesium in its water supply than the average across England. The higher presence of these chemicals in water means the water is much harder, which can damage hair, leaving it dry and prone to breakage.
The area scored 95 out of 100 in the weighted rank based on combined metrics measuring the levels of water and air pollutants. The area has the highest average of calcium (152.6) and magnesium (610.1) levels in their water sources. The area also had the highest levels of nitrogen oxide (0.0998) and sulphur dioxide (0.0097).
South London has 137% more air pollutants than the national average.
The West Thames Area Had Lower Levels of Magnesium but Higher levels of Harmful Compounds
West Thames scored 60 out of 100 in our study, 35 points behind South London and Kent. The area has an average calcium level of 113.1 and an average magnesium level of 8.8 in its water sources.
Despite having lower levels of magnesium, there are high levels of harmful compounds within the air, with data revealing levels of nitrogen oxide at 0.0830 and sulphur dioxide at 0.0086.
North London and Hertfordshire also Scored Poorly – But Their Air Pollutants are Slightly Better
North London and Hertfordshire are the third worst in the ranking, with a comprehensive score of 57 out of 100. The areas have an average calcium level of 123.9 and an average magnesium level of 11.9 in their water sources. Although magnesium levels are higher here than in West Thames, the levels of air pollutants are notably lower.
For the Healthiest Hair and Skin, Devon and Cornwall are the Best Places to Live
Devon and Cornwall have have 70% less calcium in their water supply than the average across England, making it not only the overall best place to live for combined skin and hair health but also the best place for hair health individually.
Soft water, like the kind you can find in Devon and Cornwall, is less harsh and helps retain natural oils, promoting a healthier scalp and hair. Devon and Cornwall also have 854% less air pollutants than South London, making it the best place to live in England for skin health and the least age-accelerating area in England.
Cumbria and Lancashire are the second-best areas to live for healthy skin and hair and score 12 out of 100 on the ranking. Shropshire, Herefordshire, Worcestershire and Gloucestershire follow in third place, scoring also 12.
Check out the map below...
