Are you back from a relaxing weekend camping trip but finding your hair still smells like the lingering scent of burnt wood and ash from the campfire? Well, you’ve come to the right place. I’m going to share some simple and effective ways how to get campfire smell out of hair.
The first thing to try is an apple cider vinegar rinse. Apple cider vinegar can help remove odors and its acidic nature is good at cutting through greasy residue. Another option is using a baking soda paste. Baking soda is a natural deodorizer that will neutralize smoke smells. You can also make a homemade detox shampoo by mixing ingredients like herbs, honey, and lemon juice.
If you’re still having trouble getting rid of the campfire smell, there are a few more tricks you can try. Let’s take on how to get campfire smell out of hair.
How to Get Campfire Smell Out of Hair (Simple Solutions)
Getting the campfire smell out of your hair doesn’t have to be a difficult process. With some simple, natural solutions, you can have fresh-smelling locks again in no time. Here is how to get campfire smell out of hair using simple ways:
1. Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse
Apple cider vinegar is one of the most effective ways to remove campfire smells naturally. The acetic acid in ACV helps cut through greasy residue while its antioxidants draw out odors. Here are the simple steps:
- Mix 1 part ACV with 1 part water in a spray bottle or small bowl. The acidity level shouldn’t be too high.
- After shampooing as normal, thoroughly saturate your damp hair with the ACV solution. Focus on the mid-lengths and ends where smells tend to linger most.
- Let it sit for 5-10 minutes before rinsing with cool water. The vinegar will bubble slightly as it cleans your hair and removes smells.
- For extra cleaning power, you can leave the vinegar mixture on overnight and rinse in the morning. The longer contact time gives it more opportunities to remove odors.
The ACV rinse removes smoke smells while restoring your hair’s pH balance. Just be sure to condition well after to replenish moisture.
Read more: Why Isn’t My Hair Growing? Here Are 7 Reasons
2. Baking Soda Paste
A paste made from baking soda can gently scrub away grime and neutralize unpleasant smells. Baking soda is a natural odor absorber that’s gentle enough for regular hair cleansing.
- In a small bowl, mix 2-3 tablespoons of baking soda into a paste by slowly stirring in 1-2 tablespoons of water.
- Apply the thick paste onto damp hair, concentrating on ends and problem-smell areas. Use your fingertips to work it through fully.
- Let it sit for 5-10 minutes before rinsing well with cool water. The baking soda will foam as it lifts smells and builds.
- For thick or coarser hair types, you may want to do a second shampoo after rinsing to remove all baking soda residue.
The gentle abrasiveness of the baking soda scrub helps remove embedded smells without stripping hair as some chemical deodorizers can.
3. Honey and Lemon Detox Shampoo
Honey has natural antimicrobial properties while lemon’s citric acid cuts through odors. Together they make for a soothing homemade detox shampoo.
- Mix 1⁄4 cup honey and the juice of 1 lemon in a small bowl. Optionally add 10-15 drops of an essential oil like lavender or tea tree for fragrance.
- Massage the mixture thoroughly into dry or damp hair, focusing on ends and problem areas.
- Leave it on for 5-10 minutes before rinsing with cool water. The honey and lemon mixture does double duty by cleansing and detoxifying hair.
- For extra effectiveness, you can also let it sit overnight under a shower cap before washing it out in the morning.
The natural acidity and humectants in this shampoo draw the smell out while moisturizing parched locks after campfire exposure. Be sure to follow with conditioner for softness.
4. Herbal Infusions
Enjoying the aromatic benefits of herbs? Infuse them into your hair rinse to help deodorize and nourish strands simultaneously.
- Steep 1/4 cup dried herbs like rosemary, sage, or peppermint in 1 cup boiling water for 10-15 minutes.
- Allow the infusion to cool completely, then pour it through the hair after shampooing as a final rinse. The natural botanicals counteract stubborn smells.
- For added benefits, make a strong overnight infusion in a glass jar or teapot using 1/2 cup herbs steeped in 1 cup water.
- Use the concentrated liquid the next day to shampoo, focusing the herbal mixture on smoking-affected areas before rinsing.
Herbal infusions impart lovely fragrance into hair while their antiseptic qualities lift harsh odors. Try experimenting with your favorites.
5. Sunlight Deodorizing
Sunlight activates photo-degradation processes that can break down smelly molecules. For a simple solar-powered solution:
- Wet your freshly cleaned hair with a spray bottle of water, then comb it out and air dry entirely in direct sunlight.
- On a clear, sunny day, sections of hair can dry completely within 30 minutes of exposure time.
- The heat and UV radiation help oxidize unwelcome smells until all traces are gone.
- On less sunny days, focusing affected areas in spots of strong sunlight will still help if you’re in a rush.
Letting sunshine do the work requires no special products. Just be cautious of over-drying effects on color-treated hair.
Read More: How to Get Rid of Frizzy Hair Permanently
6. Lemon & Baking Soda Dry Shampoo
For on-the-go odor absorption, try this fast-acting dry shampoo crumble:
- Grate the zest of 1 lemon into a small bowl. Mix in 1⁄4 cup of baking soda.
- Rub the zest crystals between your fingers to break up and dry shampoo your roots.
- Massage it thoroughly into roots, then brush or style as usual.
- Let sit for 5 minutes before brushing out any residue.
Its acid-alkaline balance neutralizes odors on contact for up to 48 hours between washes when camping.
7. Tea Tree Oil Treatments
With powerful antimicrobial properties, tea tree oil is highly effective against stubborn smells. Use it in these targeted ways:
- Add 5-10 drops to your normal shampoo and work through wet hair, paying extra attention to smoked areas.
- Apply a few drops directly onto problem spots, massaging it in before rinsing.
- For emergency odor removal, rub 1-2 drops between your hands and “air layer” it onto dry hair as needed between washing.
Tea tree oil’s natural deodorizing compounds get quickly to work eliminating even the most persistent wood smoke odors.
8. Herbal Hair Steam
Using herbs’ therapeutic steam action helps dislodge stubborn smells deeply seated in hair:
- Boil 2 cups water infused with a handful of fragrant herbs like sage, rosemary, or thyme.
- Lean over the steam with a towel over your head and wet hair, inhaling the aromatic vapors for 5-10 minutes.
- Shampoo as usual thereafter to lift smells weakened by the herbal steam penetrating hair follicles.
The steam heat helps revive hair cuticles while vitamins from herbs lift scents away. It’s a relaxing therapy, too!
Conclusion
I hope these natural remedies on how to get campfire smell out of hair provide an easy and effective way to banish that lingering campfire smell from your locks. With the right technique and ingredients that you likely already have at home, you can have clean, fresh-smelling hair again in no time. Try a few options and see what works best for your hair type. Happy camping and happy de-scenting!
