Bonfire Hair Smell: Is it bad that I do this on purpose?

[PixiAurora]

One of my favorite smellmories is a campfire or bonfire smell, so very rarely years apart I'll wash my hair with the intentions of drying it right next to a bonfire. I'll follow the wind around to make sure the heat and smoke are drying my hair, and relish in that smell for a week. Please don't call me disgusting? I just want to know if this is actually really really bad and I should never ever do it again and why, or if it's totally ok to do as a cute occasional scent sensory thing.

[Ylva]

The only negative effect I can think of is that you could get some ash particles in your hair. Other than that, I think it sounds lovely!

[PixiAurora]

The only negative effect I can think of is that you could get some ash particles in your hair. Other than that, I think it sounds lovely!
Thank you! Any idea what else the ash could do besides just be dirty in my hair?

[SandyBottom]

I love that woody bonfire smell too! Have you ever tried Grandpa's Pine Tar Soap? It reminds me of that.

[SeppV]

Makes me think of the fact that we have tar soap at home, that my husband uses after the sauna and smells like tar for a good while after. I have also used it, and I like the smell! :-)

[Arcticfoxes]

I LOVE this smell. Unfortunately it annoys the hell out my partner, so eventually I have to chuck those smoky clothes in the wash. Since it's more subtle on hair I get to keep that longer :D

[foreveryours]

Thank you! Any idea what else the ash could do besides just be dirty in my hair?

Being oxides of various elements like potassium and sodium, it's alkaline, combined with moisture/water, generally BAD for hair

As for the smoke odor, it's various pyrolysed organics and likely carcinogens. Probably not A Good Thing

[vampyyri]

I love this smell too, so I get it! During the summer and fall DH and I are sitting around our chimenea every weekend it's nice out, and I purposely stretch my washes afterwards :p my hair is dry when we do this though since I'm a morning washer.

If you want the same smell without the actual fire, there are bonfire oil blends out there. I have one and it's pretty spot on, but unfortunately I can't recommend the seller because they're no longer making oil blends :(

[Kelp]

I adore campfire hair! Not gross at all, it reminds me of summer nights and good times. I even love when it’s wash day after a fire and the water brings the smoke scent back up. Sometimes I’ll smoke my wardrobe and hair with incense to get a bit of an ashy scent when I can’t do a fire!

[Gwendolynn]

I used to do this too! Also with insensce(sp?) Since I don't water wash my hair anymore I don't do it while drying anymore but I will absolutely shake out my hair in front of a campfire to obtain as much of a lasting scent as I can

[PixiAurora]

I love that woody bonfire smell too! Have you ever tried Grandpa's Pine Tar Soap? It reminds me of that.

Makes me think of the fact that we have tar soap at home, that my husband uses after the sauna and smells like tar for a good while after. I have also used it, and I like the smell! :-)
Is this the same soap? If you've both mentioned it, now I'm curious and think I wanna give it a go!

[rosenester]

I have never intentionally dried my hair around a fire, but I’m sure warm weather camping has ended up with evening swims and warming by the fire. Usually fire is keeping me warm when cold weather camping, and there is no swimming or bathing. For my hair I use a wooden bristle brush to work the oils through and keep my scalp happy. The smoke smell gets stuck in there pretty well and takes several washes to get out. I usually have my hair in a hat or under a hood and it still absorbs the smell. My jacket will also smell strongly for a while. Not disgusting at all, it’s a great smell! I rock it when returning to the real world and the smoke smell lingers when going back to work after a camping trip, others smell it on me and also enjoy it, or don’t say anything at all. :o

[spidermom]

I think the majority of people dislike this smell, so if you have to work with other people, it might not be a good idea to drench your hair in this scent.

I love the scent of patchouli and bought a moisture lotion in that scent that I used on my hands and feet before work.. I was actually sent home because too many people were complaining about how bad I smelled. A few weeks later, I put it on my feet after a shower before bed and got sent home again the next day, even though I couldn't smell it myself. Coworkers can be really weird about scent.

[SeppV]

Is this the same soap? If you've both mentioned it, now I'm curious and think I wanna give it a go!

Probably not the same one exactly, but tar soap/shampoo/washes are found in many different brands! It's especially popular in Finland (where my husband is from...) and we also use essential oils for the scent in the sauna: tar, smoke, pine etc... these natural scents are quite popular among the Finish. But to answer your initial question, I wouldn't want to sit directly in the smoke too often, just because that can't be healthy for the lungs!

[lapushka]

I think the majority of people dislike this smell, so if you have to work with other people, it might not be a good idea to drench your hair in this scent.

I love the scent of patchouli and bought a moisture lotion in that scent that I used on my hands and feet before work.. I was actually sent home because too many people were complaining about how bad I smelled. A few weeks later, I put it on my feet after a shower before bed and got sent home again the next day, even though I couldn't smell it myself. Coworkers can be really weird about scent.

Some "say" it smells like weed, others "say" it's nothing alike. To me people tend to associate these with one another; maybe it was that, spidermom?

[WednesdayAddams]

Mmm. That sounds yummy.

[SeppV]

Some "say" it smells like weed, others "say" it's nothing alike. To me people tend to associate these with one another; maybe it was that, spidermom?

Well, I wouldn't want to risk going around smelling like weed while carrying three kids around with me (it's illegal here anyways) :laugh:

[TheMandaRose]

I think the only thing I would worry about would be the drying effect of the fire and the high temperature. Fire sucks the moisture right out of the air and the hair. I have a wood burning stove in my house for the cold winter days and we have to keep a pot of water on top of it to keep the family from getting nose bleeds from the dry air. However I’m sure you’re careful about not over drying so other than that, I can’t imagine it being an issue. I don’t know of anyone in my neck of the woods that doesn’t love the smell of wood smoke so it would make you popular around here 😂

[vampyyri]

Some "say" it smells like weed, others "say" it's nothing alike. To me people tend to associate these with one another; maybe it was that, spidermom?

They do? :suspect: They smell nothing alike, and clearly these people have never smelled either of these things before :lol: Patchouli is very earthy and musky, weed is very... well you'd know the smell if you smelled it :tbear:

[neko_kawaii]

LMAO, pot and patchouli smell nothing alike. (And pot doesn't have to smell like skunk either. I was discussing this with a friend who thinks the skunky smell has to do with hydroponics.) I worked with two women, one who wore patchouli and the other who had migraines triggered by it. That was an unpleasant workplace drama.

I love the smell of campfires and can definitely see enjoying that lingering in hair, but these days it would probably cause an asthma attack. *sigh* Actually, it would probably also trigger some anxiety as when our apartment building was on fire it smelled like a lovely campfire. Since then I have to check the entire house every time I catch a whiff of someone's wood fire.

[SandyBottom]

They do? :suspect: They smell nothing alike, and clearly these people have never smelled either of these things before :lol: Patchouli is very earthy and musky, weed is very... well you'd know the smell if you smelled it :tbear:

Hahaha...so funny! And I agree, the two smell nothing alike.

[Fiorentina]

One of my favorite smellmories is a campfire or bonfire smell, so very rarely years apart I'll wash my hair with the intentions of drying it right next to a bonfire. I'll follow the wind around to make sure the heat and smoke are drying my hair, and relish in that smell for a week. Please don't call me disgusting? I just want to know if this is actually really really bad and I should never ever do it again and why, or if it's totally ok to do as a cute occasional scent sensory thing.

PixiAurora, if you like that, just go for it.
Regards
Fiorentina

[Kat]

I think it's fine for you, but keep in mind that the smell may be very strong, and possibly irritating, to other people, so I would advise you not to do it if you need to be in close proximity to other people (on public transportation, sitting close to someone at work, singing in a choir or sitting in a place of worship, in crowds where you can't keep a few feet away from others, etc.).



I think the majority of people dislike this smell, so if you have to work with other people, it might not be a good idea to drench your hair in this scent.

I love the scent of patchouli and bought a moisture lotion in that scent that I used on my hands and feet before work.. I was actually sent home because too many people were complaining about how bad I smelled. A few weeks later, I put it on my feet after a shower before bed and got sent home again the next day, even though I couldn't smell it myself. Coworkers can be really weird about scent.

I used to wear patchouli a lot (in my hair; I prefer to wear scents in my hair because they last longer and the smell doesn't change with my body heat), and I think it's one of those smells a person either loves or hates (I don't know if that's due to associations, or actual physiology and the way some people experience certain tastes or smells differently-- the example the first comes to mind is cilantro). Sometimes I'd walk closely past someone and they'd say, "OH, patchouli!!!" and love it. Then there was the time a coworker walked past me and said, "What smells over here??? It smells like stinky feet!" I kept away from her and kept my mouth shut and admitted nothing, lol. I was several feet away going, "hmmm, not sure; I don't smell it..." LOL

(And yes, the other thing to remember is that you can get used to a scent and stop smelling it even though other people can. I found that out "the hard way" as well... Needless to say, I no longer wear any kind of scent because I never know who will be able to smell it and whether it will bother them.)



Some "say" it smells like weed, others "say" it's nothing alike. To me people tend to associate these with one another; maybe it was that, spidermom?

People think that because it was a popular scent with hippies back in the 60s in the U.S. ... and since the hippies were often associated with smoking pot and/or not bathing, I think a lot of people can't smell patchouli without recalling that back then, they probably often smelled it in conjunction with weed or body odor, and probably think they still do, even if neither of those scents are actually present in the person they're currently smelling. I think it's just a "bad olfactory association" thing.




Actually, it would probably also trigger some anxiety as when our apartment building was on fire it smelled like a lovely campfire. Since then I have to check the entire house every time I catch a whiff of someone's wood fire.

Oh, wow. Every building fire I've ever smelled-- including when there was a fire in my apartment building-- it smelled like nasty burning chemicals and definitely different from the "healthy" smell of a campfire. It's definitely a smell you never forget once you've smelled it once, though!

[spidermom]

Some "say" it smells like weed, others "say" it's nothing alike. To me people tend to associate these with one another; maybe it was that, spidermom?

Quite possible! I remember someone telling me the smell brings back bad memories.

[blackgothicdoll]

I think the majority of people dislike this smell, so if you have to work with other people, it might not be a good idea to drench your hair in this scent.

I love the scent of patchouli and bought a moisture lotion in that scent that I used on my hands and feet before work.. I was actually sent home because too many people were complaining about how bad I smelled. A few weeks later, I put it on my feet after a shower before bed and got sent home again the next day, even though I couldn't smell it myself. Coworkers can be really weird about scent.

What???!!! What brand of lotion out of curiosity? I absolutely love patchouli, i have a solid essential oil lotion bar I use on occasion, a matching hair oil I don't use nearly as much as I don't wash my hair often and the scent will annoy me by then- and I burn patchouli incense. The incense I would get, that's some strong stuff, but to get sent home that lotion would have to be crazy strong.

Sorry that happened. I've experienced general perfumed lotion complaints, so I find more essential oil fragrances items tend to be less concentrated.

I have also had someone track me down from three cubes saying she smelled roses and I could barely smell it on myself, so you never know.

More on topic, I could definitely see smoke irritating people because it is an actual irritant, more common than fragrance sensitivities, I believe.

[C_Bookworm]

Yum! One of my favorite scents when camping. I don’t personally own any smoky scents, but I think I would appreciate them ‘in the wild.’

I do know people can tune into smoky scents very well. I’ve had coworkers notice when I’m drinking lapsang souchong (a smoky tea), so I imagine they’d notice a perfume even more.

I love patchouli! My favorite is when it counterbalances something sweet. Sweet + spicy = :crush:

[Kat]

I have also had someone track me down from three cubes saying she smelled roses and I could barely smell it on myself, so you never know.

Oh yes. I have had people in my church choir complain about my "perfume" when I've washed my hair at least once since putting it in my hair... I couldn't smell it; I had no idea.



I love patchouli! My favorite is when it counterbalances something sweet. Sweet + spicy = :crush:

My favorite for a while was mixing patchouli, sandalwood, and jasmine. :)

(I miss using EOs to smell like stuff, but A. I can't now because of the cat, and B. I'm not sure I would even if I could because I really can't smell it and so don't know what's too strong or when I can reapply... {and really, it's pointless... I don't ever get close enough to anyone for anyone else to smell it if it's not too strong, and if I can't smell it myself, then what's the point? Literally nobody gets any benefit out of it...})

[C_Bookworm]

Oh yes. I have had people in my church choir complain about my "perfume" when I've washed my hair at least once since putting it in my hair... I couldn't smell it; I had no idea.




My favorite for a while was mixing patchouli, sandalwood, and jasmine. :)

Yum! That sounds like a delightful combination.

[lapushka]

People think that because it was a popular scent with hippies back in the 60s in the U.S. ... and since the hippies were often associated with smoking pot and/or not bathing, I think a lot of people can't smell patchouli without recalling that back then, they probably often smelled it in conjunction with weed or body odor, and probably think they still do, even if neither of those scents are actually present in the person they're currently smelling. I think it's just a "bad olfactory association" thing.


More along the lines of what I actually meant. So, thank you! :)

[Etheldreda]

I love the smell of woodsmoke! It reminds of high school when we would have a bonfire party and the next day everyone at school smelled like woodsmoke. But I get how it might be overwhelming for some people.
I find I get a bit "nose-blind" to smells when I use them a lot. I can barely the smell the rose lotion I use but people around me notice when I have it on.

[Kat]

I once had an incense that (at least to me) smelled like campfire. It was nice, but not what I expected from incense (that wasn't what it was "meant" to smell like), so I gave it to a friend. It might have been one of the Tibetan incenses?

[GordonMurphella]

In a word, yes. At least in my opinion because that smell will make me instavomit. Sorry.

[PixiAurora]

In a word, yes. At least in my opinion because that smell will make me instavomit. Sorry.
No need to apologize for sharing your thoughts! I appreciate the input, I want to be sensitive to others sensory needs as well.

[MusicalSpoons]

I definitely would do that if I could (and without negatively affecting others). Alas my life has no wood fire in it, and even if it had, having my hair down around it would be extremely impractical and I don't think I'd risk it! If I had a different life and shorter hair, then maybe.

[mz_butterfly]

LMAO, pot and patchouli smell nothing alike. (And pot doesn't have to smell like skunk either. I was discussing this with a friend who thinks the skunky smell has to do with hydroponics.) I worked with two women, one who wore patchouli and the other who had migraines triggered by it. That was an unpleasant workplace drama.

I love the smell of campfires and can definitely see enjoying that lingering in hair, but these days it would probably cause an asthma attack. *sigh* Actually, it would probably also trigger some anxiety as when our apartment building was on fire it smelled like a lovely campfire. Since then I have to check the entire house every time I catch a whiff of someone's wood fire.

There are different varieties of Cannabis. Sativa, Indica and Ruderalis (hemp) (and hybrid being sativa/indica) The Indica one is the skunky smelling one.

[neko_kawaii]

There are different varieties of Cannabis. Sativa, Indica and Ruderalis (hemp) (and hybrid being sativa/indica) The Indica one is the skunky smelling one.

Ah! Do you know why skunky cannabis is more common now than in the 90s?

[mz_butterfly]

Ah! Do you know why skunky cannabis is more common now than in the 90s?

Probably because there are so many strains of it! :D

I became a medical marijuana patient 3 years ago. When I was much younger and smoking weed, we had homegrown, dirt weed and Red haired sinsemilla. Now there are thousands of strains and a lot of people prefer the Indica. (I don't like the smell or taste) I no longer smoke due to bronchitis but I do get my edibles (whatever is cheapest/on sale) and most varieties are Indica or hybrid.

I think a lot of people prefer it because it makes you sleepy and you can get good rest. Sativa is more energizing.

I can still tell the difference in edible forms. I reallyyyyyy dislike Indica but it's medicine so, I just deal with it. :D

[PixiAurora]

Probably because there are so many strains of it! :D

I became a medical marijuana patient 3 years ago. When I was much younger and smoking weed, we had homegrown, dirt weed and Red haired sinsemilla. Now there are thousands of strains and a lot of people prefer the Indica. (I don't like the smell or taste) I no longer smoke due to bronchitis but I do get my edibles (whatever is cheapest/on sale) and most varieties are Indica or hybrid.

I think a lot of people prefer it because it makes you sleepy and you can get good rest. Sativa is more energizing.

I can still tell the difference in edible forms. I reallyyyyyy dislike Indica but it's medicine so, I just deal with it. :D
I'm a MMJ patient too! And I swear that's what made my hair start growing like a weed.. hehee. Did you notice any faster growth after getting your card?

[FrayedFire]

Even pleasant smells can be bad for some people, so I wouldn't worry about it too much.

And oooh, are we discussing weed? Sativa>Indica for sure, I hate the dragging down feeling I get, even some hybrids slow me down too much!

[lapushka]

Even pleasant smells can be bad for some people, so I wouldn't worry about it too much.

And oooh, are we discussing weed? Sativa>Indica for sure, I hate the dragging down feeling I get, even some hybrids slow me down too much!

Whoever would've thought. :spitting:

[WitchoftheWood]

Being oxides of various elements like potassium and sodium, it's alkaline, combined with moisture/water, generally BAD for hair

As for the smoke odor, it's various pyrolysed organics and likely carcinogens. Probably not A Good Thing

While I also adore the smell of bonfire smoke, I second everything foreveryours says here. Having regular long term exposure to campfire smoke introduces carcinogens from the burning organic material into your body. Firefighters have some of the highest rates of occupational cancer for this reason. I would avoid sitting directly in the path of the smoke at all costs, especially if you go to bonfires frequently. It's one thing if you go to a bonfire everyone in a while, but regular and direct exposure is very bad for your health. Be safe <3

[FrayedFire]

Whoever would've thought. :spitting:

What? :confused:

[rosenester]

I am staying at a house with a wood stove for heat, and it was rather cold in the other rooms so I sat with my back to the fire for an hour after my shower in hopes it would help it to dry. A bit different from an outdoor bonfire, as most of the smoke gets sucked up through the chimney, & no lingering smell today.

[0xalis]

Just keep in mind that all smoke, not just that of cigarettes, is carcinogenic. I'm not trying to scare you though, so are a lot of things. I just wouldn't do it every single day or anything lol. I get what you mean, I actually enjoy the smell of smoke. It gives me headaches though :( so I wouldn't be able to do this.

Eta: I skimmed but not hard enough, I now see what I said is redundant. Oh well!

[PixiAurora]

While I also adore the smell of bonfire smoke, I second everything foreveryours says here. Having regular long term exposure to campfire smoke introduces carcinogens from the burning organic material into your body. Firefighters have some of the highest rates of occupational cancer for this reason. I would avoid sitting directly in the path of the smoke at all costs, especially if you go to bonfires frequently. It's one thing if you go to a bonfire everyone in a while, but regular and direct exposure is very bad for your health. Be safe <3
Very very good points, it's definitely a very rare treat compared to regular exposure. I appreciate the info!

[PixiAurora]

I am staying at a house with a wood stove for heat, and it was rather cold in the other rooms so I sat with my back to the fire for an hour after my shower in hopes it would help it to dry. A bit different from an outdoor bonfire, as most of the smoke gets sucked up through the chimney, & no lingering smell today.
Ooooooooo wood stoves are such a pleasure!