Cumbria has topped the list as one of the best areas to live in to maintain healthy hair according to recent data due to the softness of the water. 

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 dermatological problems. 

A recent study by the University of Sheffield has shown an increase in cases of dermatitis as well as damage to the scalp in people living in an area with high water hardness, unlike the soft water of the Cumbria area. 

A spokesperson said: "There are several ways to determine the hardness of the water in your home. First, check your local council’s website to find out about the water quality where you 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. Soft water areas such as Cumbria will not have this."