Where is the hardest water in the UK and what you can do about it

Is your skin dry and dehydrated or is your hair more brittle and damaged than usual? It's possible that hard water is to blame.

Hard water has a high mineral content that can negatively impact hair and skin and is more dangerous for people with particularly sensitive skin, as “hard water can worsen existing problems like irritation, itching, or redness,” says Krasnaya.

Most of the south and east of England has hard water, so there's a chance it could be affecting you without you realizing it.

According to ScaleGuard Electric Water Conditioner, the following cities have the hardest water in the country:

Bath, Bristol, Guildford, Hemel Hempstead, Milton Keynes, Oxford, Reading, Slough, Swindon, Walton-on-Thames.

Dermatologist Dr. Yulia Krasnaya, from Evolution Aesthetics Clinic, explains that “hard water can leave various signs on the skin, indicating possible damage. A common sign is dryness or tightness after washing, as hard water can remove natural oils, leaving skin dry.

“You may notice a dull or lackluster complexion as mineral deposits from hard water can build up on the skin's surface, damaging its natural glow.”

In addition to skin and hair, there is another way to tell if you have hard water in your home. “Another indication is the presence of residue or soap scum, especially noticeable in areas such as the sink or bathtub, which can signal the effect of hard water on the skin and surfaces,” says Krasnaya.

While not particularly dangerous to your health, “prolonged exposure to hard water can also contribute to compromised skin barrier, making it more susceptible to environmental stressors and moisture loss,” explains Krasnaya. So it's worth knowing how to deal with hair loss – and how to make your hair and skin healthy again.

Anabel Kingsley, consultant trichologist and brand president at Philip Kingsley, explains that “minerals from hard water can build up in the hair shaft and so living in or traveling to a hard water area can affect the look, feel and the behavior of your wires.

“Many people notice that their hair becomes drier when they wash their hair with hard water, that it frizzes more easily, it lacks shine and that it doesn't form as much foam. It can also affect the color of your hair, especially if you have highlighted or bleached locks,” he explains. If you've noticed any of these characteristics in your hair, hard water is likely to blame.

However, if you have experienced any of these symptoms in your hair and skin, there are several steps you can take to combat the damage and improve the health of your hair and skin.

Install a shower filter

Installing a shower filter is one of the simplest ways to minimize the impacts of hard water on your hair and skin. Prevention is always preferable to a cure, and this will help filter irritants from the water you bathe in.

Kingsley recommends a shower filter “if you find your hair is dry, dull, less manageable, and lackluster when washing with hard water.” Krasnaya also notes that “incorporating a water softener or installing a shower filter can significantly reduce the mineral content of hard water, making it gentler on the skin.”

Use a pre-shampoo conditioning treatment

Kingsley also recommends that you use a conditioning treatment once to twice a week. “This fills the hair shaft with moisture and seals the outer cuticle, creating shine and improving manageability.”

Use a gentle cleanser

“Using a gentle, pH-balanced cleanser can help minimize stripping of natural oils while effectively removing impurities,” says Krasnaya. Using anything that is too harsh on your skin will only cause more irritation and discomfort and make your hard water damage symptoms much worse.

Apply a soothing oil or serum

“To combat frizz, apply a lightweight smoothing oil or serum before styling,” suggests Kingsley. Oils can also help protect against heat and minimize flyaways, so they're worth adding to your hair care routine even if you're not directly looking to combat frizz.

Consider swapping your usual conditioner for a richer one

If your hair is crying out for moisture due to hard water, a simple switch to a stronger conditioner could solve the problem. To allow the conditioner to work at its best, towel dry your hair after washing and apply the conditioner to damp hair.

Invest in hydrating skin care

“Moisturizing skin products containing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, or niacinamide can help replenish moisture and strengthen the skin barrier, combating dryness and sensitivity caused by hard water,” says Krasnaya.

Use a detoxifying hair and scalp treatment

“I love our Vitamin C Jelly, which removes hard water mineral deposits from your hair,” says Kingsley. If your hair needs real careful treatment, this may be the most effective solution for you.

Before changing your entire hair care routine, check what your hair type actually requires. “There's no need to change your shampoo—opt for one formulated for your hair texture,” says Kingsley.

While it's tricky to fully get rid of all hard water damage to your hair and skin without moving to an area with soft water (which isn't a realistic change for most of us), making small changes to your routine daily can help eliminate any symptoms. less noticeable and more manageable on a daily basis.