Smoke from cigarettes is disgusting. Such yuck. It’s disgusting, even for smokers. It just sticks to your hair, making it smell really bad. That stench caught in your hair persists and you can smell it all day long!

Smoke odour is not something anybody likes. It is hard to remove after it has been stuck in your skin, hair, and clothes. Its clinging nature is undeniable, whether it comes from cigarette smoking, smoke from outdoor BBQ or grilling, or sitting around a campfire.

Long after the smoke has cleared, the strong smell will still cling to you and you can still smell it, as well as those people around you can still smell it too due to its strong aroma.

If you’ve ever been puzzled about why you still smell like cigarettes after being in a smoke-filled environment (or around a few strong smokers), it’s because your hair absorbs smells like a paper towel. Additionally, hair often has a very little electric charge, which may attract charged pollution particles, especially in extremely dry conditions. In other words, your hair picks up the odour from the air and carries it with you inside. Given that the toxins in smoking are bad for your hair, thus it may be a good time for shampooing.

We’ll discuss strategies to stay smoke-free, as well as how to get rid of the foul cigarette smoke smell from your hair when shampooing isn’t an option.

How to Remove the Smell of Smoke from Your Hair

Here are the best techniques for removing the smell of cigarette smoke out of your hair, so you can feel smoke-free, clean and fresh in no time.

1. Use a traditional shampoo on your hair

The most effective and common way to get rid of undesirable odours is to wash your hair. You may use the shampoo that is typically a part of your hair routine in this situation if you have one.

All traces of smoking will be eliminated from your hair after a thorough shampoo and rinse with water, leaving your hair feeling fresh once more.

Unfortunately, if you’ve gone on a weekend camping trip or if you just stepped through a cloud of cigarette smoke at the club, this choice of shampooing your hair may not be readily available to you.

Additionally, washing your hair daily or frequently may cause it to get damaged or dried out especially if you are a smoker yourself, thus will be constantly plagued by the smell of smoke in your hair. Fortunately, you can try some of our other suggestions.

2. Use a dry shampoo to wash your hair

A fantastic product that has gained enormous popularity in recent years is dry shampoo. Although the original, unscented version of dry shampoo is quite popular, you should get the scented dry shampoo version if you want to get rid of the smell of smoke from your hair.

Spray your hair roots when you have flipped your head upside down and it is important to keep the bottle’s nozzle about six inches away from your scalp.

Using your fingertips, fluff your hair to remove any built-up residue before combing it out with a brush. Be aware that the finger-combing method works very well for this step as well.

With this quick and simple dry shampoo method, your hair will not only feel cleaner but also smell much nicer as well.

3. Make use of dryer sheets (or Fabric Softener Sheet)

Although most people keep their dryer sheets for their laundry purposes, they may also be used for other needs. In addition to leaving behind fragrant scents, dryer sheets have compounds which help to eliminate any static charges or electricity.

As a result, they may be quite effective in getting rid of the smell of smoke from your hair and leaving behind the clean, fresh aroma of freshly laundered linens. This method ought to be effective for the majority of milder smoke odours, including cigarette smoke and smoke from a campfire.

To use, just run a dryer sheet down the length of your hair, beginning at the roots and moving down to the ends of the hair shaft. This can effectively and easily eliminate any remnants of mild smoke odour and freshen up your hair. To aerate your hair and give it a fresh scent, you may also run a dryer sheet on your hairbrush before combing through your strands.

Pack some dryer sheets with your camping supplies before you go camping so you can use them to clean up your clothing and hair after a campfire.

Additionally, you may carry some dryer sheets in your handbag for use on any nights out when you could be around with clouds of cigarette smoke. If you smoke cigarettes yourself, you may utilize the dryer sheet approach anytime at your convenience.

During your work time or hanging out with friends, you can have some drier sheets in your pocket or handbag and use one after each smoking break to lessen the cigarette scent.

4. Use Baking Soda

For many years, people have used baking soda as an air freshener and deodorizer. You may simply place a box of baking soda in your pantry or refrigerator which can also help lessen the smell of smoke, regardless of where it comes from. Just applying a tiny bit in your hair may help to lessen the smell of smoke regardless of the source.

Take a tiny bit of baking soda & gently run it through your hair and scalp when you sense that your hair smells of smoke.

Spread the baking soda through your hair and let it coat the hair shafts using a brush, comb, or your fingers. In no time, the majority of the smoke smell should be gone.

Although this procedure is effective, exercise caution when adding too much baking soda. Baking soda may cause your hair to turn white and leave a powdery coating on your scalp if used excessively. Be aware that some women may replace baking soda with baby powder.

5. Use the cool setting on a blow dryer (hair dryer).

Depending on the extensiveness of smoke exposure, your hair may just require a quick blast of air from the blow dryer.

Make sure your dryer is set to cold air (hot air will bake the stench or smell of your strands), then gently blow cold air through your whole head of hair.

Many of the molecular smoke particles that are present on your hair strands will be effectively eliminated by the blow of cool air, which will also freshen up your hair. One of the first few techniques as discussed earlier will probably be more effective if you’re dealing with a stronger cigarette smell, a campfire scent, or plain stinky hair.

6. Hair perfume

Even though its still relatively new, hair perfume is becoming more and more well-liked. It is specifically made to be applied to your hair without imparting an overbearing aroma or making your hair feel greasy. It comes in a variety of scents. We had to purchase one and try it out before we could write this article since this is a new product in the hair industry. The anti-odour technology that is formulated in these hair perfumes is intended to neutralize any trapped odours including cigarette smoke, perspiration, and kitchen scents. After a vigorous exercise, one or two spritzes may effectively refresh sweaty, stinky hair and mask cigarette smoke odour. Sometimes all it takes to freshen and revive your hair and get rid of the smoke odour is a short spritz of perfume. Remember that this process just “masks” the odour rather than eliminating it. So, I advise selecting a light and delicate scent that isn’t overpowering.

You may also just make it a routine to spritz your hair with your normal perfume. Hair perfume is formulated to moisturize and nourish your hair without drying it out or weighing it down and it is meant to stay longer than conventional perfume.

Even though this choice is somewhat pricey, it is excellent for those who often need to deodorize their hair. Since these perfumes might be pricey, it is most suitable for people with shorter hair as it will be more cost effective.

It can also be used as a procedure by applying to dry hair AFTER using any heat styling tools which tend to cause hair dryness. Instead of spritzing hair perfume straight into your hair, it is preferable to apply it to a brush or your hands and rub them through your hair. Using hair perfume before you enter a smoke-filled area may serve as a preventive strategy if you are already aware of the smoky condition beforehand. This is a popular method and it will leave your hair smelling amazing by completely getting rid of cigarette smells. The above mentioned procedure will guarantee that the scent is distributed evenly throughout your hair and prevent overuse of the perfume, which may cause the scent to be overpowering. Winner Winner!

7. Rosewater

Rosewater may be a very beneficial product to have it in your medicine cabinet. Rosewater should be easily available at most pharmacies even if you might not have any at home.

Rosewater, which is produced by steeping rose petals in purified water which enable it to be a wonderful skin toner and cleanser that may help lessen inflammation and redness.

It also has a beautiful aroma that may be used to cover up the smell of smoking. Rosewater may be used by spritzing the water into the hair and combing or brushing it through.

8. Essential Oils

Essential oils have several benefits for your hair in addition to having a nice aroma and they come in several various pleasant scents.

They’re a beauty gal’s best friend because indeed they’re great. Essential oils have been well used in the beauty and wellness industry for decades. Essential oils are very concentrated thus they will give off a very strong aroma and won’t make your hair feel greasy. Pour a few drops of your preferred scent onto your hand, whether it be rose, orange, peppermint, lavender, etc (NOT TOO MUCH or it could dry your hair out – a little goes a long way). Work it gently through your hair after rubbing it together and you will be amazed that your hair will instantly refresh! Before doing any hair styling, you may apply it to damp hair, and it will effectively repel any smelly odour! You may also add a few drops of your favourite essential oils and some purified water to a spray bottle as an alternative. Spray the oil mixture into your hair, paying special attention to the roots, and then brush or comb it evenly through your whole head. Different oils may be used to add strength, shine, promote hair growth, fight dry skin, and more. So, if you need a hair booster, choose the oils that are right for you! Citrus smells, like lemon oil, may help you feel more alert and energizing, while lavender oil can encourage restful sleep and help lessen the effects of stress and anxiety. You will experience all of the wonderful advantages of the essential oil(s) that you have selected in addition to having fresh-smelling hair.

9. Lemon Juice

There is no cleaner and fresher scent than citrus, particularly the scent of lemon. With only a sniff, it conjures up images of spring cleaning to your mind and an unparalleled sense of freshness.

Your hair will smell better and fresher after using the lemon juice as it will get rid of any kind of odours, including cigarette smoke smell. You may also try mixing a small quantity of lemon zest and one lemon into some purified water to try out this method.

To properly and fully infuse the remaining solution with the lemon zest, pour this mixture into a spray bottle and let it set for the whole night. You may apply a few sprays to your hair in the morning so as to freshen up your hair for the day throughout.

10. Vodka

Vodka has incredible deodorizing capabilities that may get rid of smoking and other odours from your hair, although it may not seem like a particularly ideal choice for doing so.

There is no need to be afraid that you will smell like you just consume it because after it dries, it won’t smell like alcohol at all.

Spray your hair with a 50:50 proportion mixture of water and vodka, brushing it through with your fingertips. Apply a second treatment or spray if there is any smoke residue (or an unpleasant odour) in the hair after it has dried up.

11. How to Prevent Your Hair from Smelling of Tobacco (or Cigar Smoke)

If you smoke, giving up is the greatest thing you can do to prevent your hair from smelling like walking cigarette smoke. However, for many individuals, it is easier said than done.

Fortunately, there are several fantastic methods you can do to reduce the amount of smoke that will be trapped into your hair. These methods only apply to firsthand and secondhand smoke. It will not be effective for thirdhand smoke (e.g., the residue left on hard surfaces or traces of cigarette smoke odour).

12. Change your pillowcases and sheets often.

Smoke odour may permeate your pillows and bedding, where it can then be reintroduced into your hair. Although it is advised to replace your bedding every two weeks, for individuals who wish to avoid having smoke odour on their hair. Changing these pillowcases and sheets more often will help[ to lessen the smoky smell.

13. Wash your comb and brush

If your hair has a very bad smoke stench, the odour may migrate to your combs and brushes and then, after washing, the odour will return to your hair. So it is important to wash your brushes and combs often with a little shampoo to avoid this from occurring.

14. Smoking outdoors

If you really must smoke, go outdoors. The quantity of smoke that sticks to your clothing and hair will be significantly reduced by the spaciousness and fresh air.

15. Use an air purifier

Invest in an air purifier with a HEPA filter if you can’t smoke outdoors, and be sure to turn it on each time you light up the cigarette. It will filter the air and reduce smoke in the environment.

While it won’t fully eliminate the smoke, it will greatly reduce the amount you are exposed to and, therefore, the amount that sticks to your skin, clothing, and hair.

16. Cover your hair

Every time you start a cigarette, you may try to keep your hair covered. If you are at home or when you are out, consider wearing a shower hat or pulling up your hood to protect your hair. Your hair will smell better if it is covered since less smoke may adhere to it.

Making Your Hair Perfume at Home

Moisturizing Hair Fragrance DIY

Although buying hair perfume is a fantastic choice, it may also be pricey. Fortunately, there are a variety of fast, simple, and affordable DIY hair perfume recipes to explore.

Keep your homemade hair perfume in your handbag, the desk drawer at work, or take it camping with you. It’s a great method to rapidly freshen up your hair.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup of rosewater
  • Essential Oil (lavender oil or sweet orange oil works well)
  • Leave-in conditioner
  • Aloe vera gel

Place six to ten drops of your favourite essential oil with the rosewater together in a bowl. The aroma and scent will get more intense as you add additional essential oil.

Next, add one teaspoon of aloe vera gel and half a teaspoon of leave-in conditioner. Mix well with a spoon before adding all the mixture to a little spray bottle.

Anytime you want a fast freshening up your smelly smoky hair,  just simply spritz the hair perfume over your hair.