Shisha Smoking Etiquette: Do’s and Don’ts for a Smooth Session

There’s something relaxing about lounging in a dimly lit shisha bar that’s filled with fruity aroma of berries and grapes, and a gentle buzz of conversation, laughter, and music in the background. It’s a popular weekend activity in Dubai, where friends sit together to enjoy exciting new shisha flavours and thick, white clouds of smoke.

It’s all fun until one of your squad members hogs the shisha pipe, leaving you sitting there like, “Hello? Greedy much?”

Like it or not, shisha smoking comes with a set of etiquette. From being considerate of how long you keep the shisha pipe to yourself to where you blow the shisha smoke, there are a few important do’s and don’ts you need to care about. Even seasoned shisha smokers can benefit from a refresher on these tips.

So, our experts at White Mist and Cloud have compiled a list to get you started.

Here’s to smoother shisha sessions and lots of laughter.

Shisha Smoking Etiquette

When the smoke from tantalizing shisha flavours like Summer Breeze, Grape Soda, and Blue Tornado fills the air around you, it can break your heart to have to pass the shisha pipe. You might want to puff a puff after a puff, but do you want to deal with the side eye from your crew? Remember, you’re sharing the experience with others, and they deserve nothing less than you do.

If you’re secretly guilty of taking the lion’s share of the shisha pipe in your group, you could really use our list of do’s and don’ts of a smooth shisha session.

Let’s get started.

Do’s of Shisha Smoking

Consider Everyone’s Flavour Preference

Your group’s shisha session majorly depends on your choice of flavours. The safest (and the fairest) option is to ask everyone for their preference and come to a mutual decision. If you have any beginner smokers in the group, choose lighter flavours like Watermelon, Peach, and Mint. If you’re all pro, challenge yourself with flavours like Love 66 and Blue Mist.

You can also take flavour recommendations from the staff at the shisha bar. They’ll tell you what’s new,  what’s popular, and which flavours are the hottest this season.

Use a Mouthpiece

Hygiene matters! A mouthpiece is that little plastic accessory that you fit in the shisha pipe, and it’s there for a reason. It keeps the session hygienic and ensures you get a clean hit without any leftover residue from the previous person. It’s a good thing that almost every shisha bar offers complimentary mouthpieces. If you don’t find one, ask for it.

Sharing the shisha with a larger group? Carry your personal mouthpiece for the peace of mind that you won’t touch your lips on the same spot as your friend did!

Pass the Shisha Pipe

Yes, it’s tempting to take one more hit before passing on the shisha pipe, but it’s not fair to keep others waiting for too long. So, pass the shisha pipe after taking a few puffs.

Clockwise rotations work better than random passing. This way, everyone gets their turn in their due time without it getting chaotic. Be gentle with the pipe, though. Swinging it around can hurt someone or damage the property of a shisha bar, which can be a major fun spoiler!

Clean the Hose Before Passing

Ready to pass the pipe? Take your mouthpiece off and wipe the hose. It’s a responsible and considerate gesture to ensure the person after you gets to taste the shisha flavour, not your saliva. Plus, it’s a good way to show that you care about others’ hygiene, too.

Do we need to mention you must only use a clean tissue for it?

Be Gentle with the Shisha Pipe

What stands between you and that thick and satisfying shisha smoke is the shisha pipe. Be nice to it. Whether you’re passing it or just adjusting its location for smoother flow, a gentle hand is all it needs. It’ll keep the coals from toppling and damaging the property around you.

Don’ts of Shisha Smoking

Don’t Use Shisha Charcoal as Your Lighter

There are some people who prefer cigarettes over shisha, even at a shisha bar. If the management allows it, there’s no harm in lighting a smoke. Just don’t use the charcoal as your lighter. It comes off as rude and unhygienic.

Besides, for a shisha smoker, charcoal is too precious to be wasted on lighting cigarettes that’ll burn out in a few minutes.

Don’t Blow Shisha Smoke in Someone’s Face

Shisha smoke can be thick and pungent, and not everyone likes it. If you’re sitting next to someone who doesn’t smoke or doesn’t enjoy the shisha flavour, avoid blowing the smoke in their face. It’s a basic etiquette that shows respect towards others’ preferences.

Don’t Cough in the Hose

This one’s pretty obvious, but we’ll mention it anyway – don’t cough in the shisha hose. Not even with a mouthpiece attached to it. It’s a failproof way of spreading germs and ruining the shisha experience for everyone involved.

If you feel the need to cough, pass the shisha pipe to the next person before doing it. It’s better for your lungs, too. Give them a break if they’re asking you to.

Don’t Tap the Pipe on the Floor

Tapping the shisha pipe on the floor is a strict no-no. Not only does it make a mess, but it also damages the property and can cause injuries. If you need to adjust something or get rid of the excess ash, gently blow it into an ashtray or flick it off.

If you’re puffing from an electronic shisha in Dubai, simply turn the device off and empty the ashtray in the designated area.

Wrapping Up

Shisha smoking is more than just a pastime. It’s a way to relax, catch up with your friends, and enjoy some delicious flavours. It’s a social experience that should be enjoyed with proper etiquette and respect for others. So, next time you’re at a shisha bar, keep these do’s and don’ts in mind to ensure a smooth and enjoyable session for everyone involved. These tips stay valid for a shisha session at home.

If you’re hosting and looking to get an electronic shisha in Dubai or some fun shisha flavours, White Mist and Cloud has an excellent range of products for you. Grab them before your party to be the best shisha host ever!