Urban living - it's not without challenges is it?

When days start with a crammed commute, lunchtimes are non-existent and your so-called nine-to-five-job is more like seven-to-11, it can be hard to keep your stress levels in check. And pollution is an issue, causing lung problems and early deaths, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO). What's this got to do with beauty? Well, it turns out that pollution may be the cause of bad hair days, as well as poor health.

"If you live in a city and your hair is feeling dull and dry, or you've developed an itchy scalp, then pollution could be to blame," says Nick Irwin, global development director of Muk haircare.

"In the same way pollution can affect the skin, it affects the hair. Depleting the body of certain nutrients can affect hair growth and condition, plus, with pollutants literally sitting on the hair, it can look dull and dry."

So, what can be done to prevent the effects of pollution - aside from relocating to a rural idyll?

"Washing your hair regularly will wash off the pollutants on your hair, so make sure you use a shampoo and conditioner for your hair type," Irwin advises.

And to treat an itchy scalp, choose a shampoo with soothing and clarifying ingredients, like charcoal or echinacea.

Here, we've rounded up the products that will help ward off pollutants. So, with your hair taken care of, you've got one less stress...

Living Proof Restore Shampoo, £24

Charles Worthington Radiance Restore Charcoal Shampoo, £6.99, Boots

Aveda Scalp Benefits Balancing Shampoo, £20

Muk Deep Muk 1 Minute Treatment, £11.75

Living Proof No Frizz Instant De-Frizzer, £25

Mr Smith Leave In, £38

This Works Stress Check Hair Elixir, £25