Whether you are exposed to cigarette smoke, campfire smoke, or another type of this vapor, you will want to learn how to get smoke smell out of your hair. Unfortunately, the smoke smell clings to hair as well as clothes. Sometimes, even washing your hair won’t get rid of the unpleasant odor, while other times you may not have access to a shower right away. In either of these situations, the following remedies can help get the smoke smell out.

How to Get Smoke Out of Hair

1. Mix Citrus with Water

If you happen to have access to a lime, lemon, or orange, then try this technique for how to get smoke smell out of hair. Zest the citrus peel; then put it in a spray bottle filled with water. Let it sit 15 to 20 minutes so the water absorbs the scent of the peel. After this, you can spritz it onto your hair, focusing on the stinkiest strands. Afterward, consider blowing drying your hair on cool.

2. Try Baking Soda

Most people have this remedy lying around their house as baking soda has limitless uses. You can actually make a hair mist that deodorizes your locks with this substance. Combine a cup of water with two tablespoons baking soda (doubling everything if you have long or thick hair). Once the baking soda is absorbed, you can either pour this mixture over your head or spray it using a bottle.

3. Use a Dryer Sheet

Dryer sheets are easy to use and effective with getting rid of the smoke smell and some other hair-related issues. Just rub your dryer sheet along your brush or comb before you brush out your hair. The scent will block the smell by penetrating the strands while it tames flyaways, performing double duty.

4. Take Advantage of Apple Cider Vinegar

In addition to its numerous other uses, apple cider vinegar can help get rid of the residues from campfire smoke, taking them off your hair follicles. Just combine equal parts apple cider vinegar and your favorite shampoo. Bring this mixture into your shower and use it like you would your regular shampoo. The only downside of this method of how to get smoke smell out of hair is that it initially smells strong, but the odor of the vinegar dissipates as your hair dries. It will also add a nice, healthy shine.

5. Sun Your Hair

Believe it or not, you can get rid of a great deal of the smoke smell from your hair without anything but sunlight. Let your locks down and put yourself so your head can reach your hair. This can release tightly bound follicles that might still be holding those campfire odors. The open space, fresh air, and ultraviolet rays work together to dissipate and neutralize odors.

6. Use Vodka Spray

In addition to being many people’s drink of choice, vodka has proven its usefulness as a neutralizer for unwanted odors, and it works in your hair as well. When you spray vodka on your hair, the alcohol will eliminate embedded odors then lift them off while it evaporates. Just grab a spray bottle and mix the same amount of vodka and water. Spray your hair completely and give it about 20 to 30 minutes to dry, leaving no odors behind and fresh-smelling hair.

7. Spray Febreze

Febreze markets itself on eliminating odors, but you may not realize it can work its charm on your hair as well. Just spray your hair from every angle until the smelly parts are moist. Let it air dry for about a half hour and you should be set.

8. Rely on Hair Products

Multiple hair care products can also help with how to get smoke smell out of hair, either eliminating or masking it. Consider using a dry shampoo, applying it directly before combing it through. Doing so cleans your hair, gets rid of ash, and eliminates the odor. You may also want to try using mousse or combining conditioner with water then spraying your hair. For this to work, you might need to towel dry your hair, then reapply several times.

9. Opt for a Blow Dryer

If fresh air isn’t an option, artificial air will do. Turn your blow dryer to the cool setting and blast your hair for around five minutes. The cold air blows away any residual scents. Just make sure you don’t use hot air as this will bake the smell into the strands, making it worse.

10. Use Perfume

You shouldn’t rely on perfume too much to cover smells, but you can apply a light dusting of it to get rid of the slight smoke smell. Just opt for something clean and light as opposed to overly sweet or floral.

11. Try Essential Oils

Essential oils are another great option. Their high concentration also lets you use very little while still getting amazing results. Just put a few drops of your favorite scent in your palm, rub your hands together, and work the essential oil into your hair.

What Not to Do

When working at how to get smoke smell out of hair, resist the urge to go overboard with body spray, perfume or hairspray. This will temporarily hide the scent, but make it worse in the long run. You also shouldn’t be spraying your hair too much with items not designed for your locks; it can cause damage.

Prevent Smoky Strands

The best situation is never having to get rid of a smoky smell at all. You can minimize the smell after sitting at a campfire with some preventative steps. Try to leave your hair pulled back, preferably in a bun, as this way it absorbs fewer odors than if your hair is left down. You can also cover up your hair using hoodies, scarves, or hats so the odors can’t reach it.