Posted on September 6, 2022 by Munchies

You may have heard “French Kiss” or seen a movie with a “French Ending” at some point. They evoke a trace of luxury, and we’d like to add another to your vocabulary: the French Inhale. 

Also known as the Irish Waterfall, it is a mesmerizing technique that sends smoke flowing from your mouth into your nose, creating an elegant visual display. This classic smoking trick combines skill and style, but how is it done? Well, you don’t have to go anywhere because today, we’ll provide you with the proper steps on how the elite smokers perform it. 

Key Takeaways 

  • The French Inhale, also known as the Irish Waterfall, creates an eye-catching effect where smoke flows from the mouth into the nostrils.
  • Successfully performing a French Inhale requires practice, precision, and control over smoke release and nasal inhalation.
  • Popular in social settings, media, and music, this trick has a long history in smoking culture.
  • While visually impressive, French Inhaling poses similar health risks as regular smoking, including potential nasal irritation.
  • Contrary to some beliefs, French Inhaling does not enhance the high or potency of smoking; the effect is primarily sensory.

What is French Inhale?   

A French Inhale involves expelling cigarette smoke from the mouth and simultaneously inhaling it through the nose. This technique creates a unique visual effect, with smoke flowing upwards from the mouth into the nostrils. When performed correctly, the French Inhale produces a captivating spectacle. 

The smoke rises controlled, creating an aesthetically pleasing sight, making this technique popular among smokers who enjoy performing tricks.

The French Inhaling has become a well-known smoking trick, often seen in social settings or media depictions of smoking. It’s considered one of the more advanced smoking techniques, alongside other tricks like smoke rings.

Is the Irish Waterfall the Same Thing as the French Inhale?

Yes, French Inhale is also known as the Irish Waterfall. Interestingly, the origin of “French Inhale” is unclear, similar to “French kissing.” The technique’s alternative name, “Irish Waterfall,” is also of unknown origin. Some speculate that the “French” association might be related to smoking’s popularity in France.

​It’s important to note that while this trick can be visually impressive, smoking or vaping carries significant health risks.​ Tobacco and nicotine use is addictive and a leading cause of cancer and other harmful diseases.

How do You French Inhale in 3 Easy Steps 

Mastering the French Inhale requires practice and precision. It involves finding the right balance between releasing the smoke from the mouth and inhaling through the nose. Many beginners may find it challenging at first, as it requires controlling the smoke in a way that’s different from regular smoking.

Taking the Initial Puff

Start by taking a large puff of smoke and holding it in your mouth. It’s important not to inhale the smoke into your lungs at this stage. Instead, keep the smoke in your mouth and use your tongue to trap it by bringing it to the back of your mouth. Allow the smoke to settle in your mouth for a second or two.

Preparing to Release the Smoke

Once you have a good amount of smoke in your mouth, the next step is to prepare for the release:

  • Slowly open your mouth while pushing your bottom lip out.
  • Push your lower jaw forward without exhaling.
  • Keep your tongue at the back of your mouth to avoid disturbing the smoke or pushing it out too soon.
  • This positioning creates a direct path for the smoke to travel from your mouth toward your nose. 

Executing the French Inhale

To complete the trick:

  • Slowly inhale through your nose as the smoke seeps out from your mouth.
  • As you inhale, you can help guide the smoke by slowly moving the tip of your tongue across the roof of your mouth.
  • For the best effect, take a slow, measured inhale. Inhaling too quickly may cause the smoke to disappear too fast, diminishing the visual impact.

French Inhaling Tips for Beginners 

Tips for Improvement

  • Practice Makes Perfect – Remember that mastering the French inhale takes time and practice. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t get it right immediately.
  • Control Your Speed – The right speed is crucial. Try to perform the trick as slowly as possible. If you do it too quickly, the smoke will disappear before you inhale.
  • Find the Right Balance – Strive to achieve a perfect balance between the smoke you breathe out of your mouth and the smoke you inhale through your nose.
  • Visualize the Process –  Imagine filling your lungs with air from your nose. This mental image can help you perform the inhale more effectively.
  • Manage Smoke Quantity – If you have too much smoke in your mouth or can’t breathe in anymore, simply exhale the rest.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Inhaling Too Early –  Many beginners inhale the smoke into their lungs immediately. Remember to keep the smoke in your mouth initially.
  • Exhaling Instead of Releasing –  Be careful not to exhale or blow out the smoke when opening your mouth.
  • Moving Too Quickly – Patience is key. Moving your tongue or opening your mouth too quickly can disrupt the smoke flow.
  • Inhaling Too Fast – A slow, measured inhale through the nose is more effective than a quick one.

Practice Tips

  • Use a Mirror – Practice before a mirror to see the effect and adjust your technique.
  • Start with Small Puffs – Begin with smaller amounts of smoke until you get comfortable with the technique.
  • Experiment with Mouth Shapes – Try different mouth shapes and jaw positions to see what works best.
  • Stay Relaxed – Tension can make the trick harder. Try to stay relaxed, especially in your facial muscles.

What Other Smoking Tricks Can I Learn After Mastering the French Inhale? 

Smoke Rings (O’s)

Smoke rings, or O’s, are one of the most classic and visually appealing smoke tricks. To perform this trick:

  • Take a full mouth of smoke, keeping it in your mouth rather than inhaling it into your lungs.
  • Open your mouth in an ‘O’ shape as if you’re saying, “Oh.”
  • Push the smoke out quickly using your throat muscles, not your lungs.
  • Practice different mouth shapes and exhalation techniques to create rings of various sizes and shapes.

Ghost Inhale

The Ghost Inhale, called Double Inhaling, is a relatively easy trick. Here’s how to do it:

  • Take a drag and keep the smoke in your mouth.
  • Open your mouth slightly and let a small amount of smoke out.
  • Quickly inhale the smoke back into your mouth before it dissipates.
  • This trick creates a ghostly effect as the smoke appears and quickly disappears.

The Dragon

The Dragon is a visually striking trick that makes you look like a mythical creature breathing smoke. This creates four streams of smoke resembling a dragon’s breath:

  • Take a big inhalation of smoke, keeping it in your mouth.
  • Extend your bottom lip and push your top lip down in the center, creating two openings at the corners of your mouth.
  • Exhale simultaneously through your nose and the corners of your mouth.

The Waterfall

The Waterfall trick requires a prop but creates an impressive visual effect:

  • Take a big hit of smoke.
  • Exhale into a bottle containing a little bit of ice at the bottom.
  • Tip the bottle over and watch the smoke flow out like a waterfall.
  • The ice cools the smoke, making it sink and create the waterfall effect.

Bull Ring

The Bull Ring is an advanced variation of the smoke ring trick; here’s how you can perform it: 

  • Create a smoke ring as you would normally.
  • As the ring floats away, slowly inhale through your nose.
  • This will draw the top half of the ring into your nostrils, creating the appearance of a bull’s nose ring.

Smoke Tornado

The Smoke Tornado is a more complex trick that can be done in two ways. 

Using a paper towel roll:

  • Blow smoke into the roll and let it collect.
  • Hold it against a flat surface and slowly lift it.
  • Use your hand to guide the smoke upward in a tornado shape.

Without a paper towel roll:

  • Blow smoke directly onto a flat surface.
  • Use your hand to lift and guide the smoke into a tornado shape.

Smoke Bubbles

Smoke Bubbles combines the fun of blowing bubbles with smoking tricks:

  • Take a hit of smoke and keep it in your mouth.
  • As you blow a bubble using bubble solution, exhale the smoke into the bubble.
  • This creates smoke-filled bubbles that float in the air.

History of French Inhaling

Origins

The true origins of the French Inhale are unknown, but there are several theories about how it got its name:

  • French Connection – The name likely stems from the popularity of smoking in France. The technique may have become associated with French culture due to the country’s long-standing relationship with tobacco.
  • Cultural Misnomer – Similar to other misattributed cultural phenomena (like French fries), the term “French” may have arbitrarily been applied to this smoking technique without directly connecting to France.

Historical Context

While the exact date of its invention is unclear, the French Inhale has been a part of smoking culture for several decades:

  • Early Appearances – The technique appears to have been practiced well before modern times. Some sources suggest it dates back to when the grandparents of current generations were young.
  • Pop Culture References – One of the earliest documented appearances of the French Inhale in popular media was in the 1978 movie “Grease.” In a notable scene, Sandy Olsson, played by Olivia Newton-John, attempts to learn the technique.

Cultural Significance and Popularity

The French Inhale has gained significance in various aspects of culture:

  • Music Industry – The technique has been referenced in popular music. For example, renowned rappers Snoop Dogg and Wiz Khalifa released a track titled “French Inhale,” which showcases the technique in the music video.
  • Smoking Competitions – As vaping became more popular, the French Inhale became a staple trick in vape competitions, demonstrating its enduring appeal in smoking culture.
  • Social Media Presence –  In recent years, the French Inhale has gained renewed attention on platforms like TikTok, where users showcase their skills with the technique.
  • Television Depictions – The technique has been featured in various TV shows. For instance, in the “Feud: Bette and Joan” series, actress Kiernan Shipka’s character demonstrates the French Inhale, highlighting its place in period dramas and pop culture representations.

Will French Inhaling Get You Higher?

No. The French inhale does not get you higher compared to regular smoking or inhaling. This is a common misconception among some smokers, but there is no scientific evidence to support the claim that French inhaling increases the potency of the smoking experience.

Some people might feel higher when performing a French inhale, but this is likely due to a placebo effect or an illusion of being higher. The unique sensation of inhaling smoke through the nose might create a different feeling, leading some to believe they’re experiencing a stronger effect.

Is French Inhaling Bad for You?

First and foremost, it’s crucial to highlight that there is no safe way to smoke. Smoking, regardless of the method, is associated with numerous health risks, including various types of cancer, respiratory problems, and cardiovascular diseases.

Comparison to Regular Smoking

Interestingly, some aspects of French inhaling might be slightly less harmful compared to regular smoking:

  • Filtration Effect—When you inhale smoke through your nose during a French inhale, some contaminants and excess smoke are blocked by nose hairs. This natural filtration process potentially leaves you with only beneficial chemicals and cannabinoids like Delta 9 THC and CBD.
  • Potential Lung Protection – Due to this filtration effect, French inhaling might be slightly less harsh on your lungs and throat in the long run than direct inhalation through the mouth.

Nasal Passage Concerns

French inhaling introduces smoke directly into the nasal passages, which could have specific effects:

  • Nasal Irritation – The nasal passages are sensitive and not typically exposed to smoke in such a direct manner. This could lead to irritation or damage to the nasal tissues.
  • Increased Absorption –  The nasal passages have a rich blood supply, potentially leading to faster absorption of harmful chemicals in the smoke.

Secondhand Smoke Considerations

It’s important to note that French inhaling, like any form of smoking, produces secondhand smoke. Secondhand smoke is known to be harmful and can cause various health issues in non-smokers exposed to it.

Long-Term Effects

While there isn’t specific research on the long-term effects of French inhaling compared to regular smoking, it’s safe to assume that it carries similar risks associated with tobacco use, including:

  • Increased risk of various lung, throat, and nasal cancers.
  • Respiratory problems such as chronic bronchitis and emphysema.
  • Cardiovascular diseases.

Final Thoughts 

French Inhale is a captivating and exciting smoking technique showcasing the user’s skill and creativity. While its origins remain uncertain, it has long held a place in smoking culture and continues to appear in social settings, media, and even competitive recreational events. However, it’s essential to remember that no form of smoking is without risks. 

Whether you’re attempting the French Inhale or mastering other tricks, always prioritize your health and stay informed about the potential consequences of smoking from a general perspective. Ultimately, practicing safely and being mindful of your environment ensures that your smoking experience is both enjoyable and responsible.

(Disclaimer reminder: This article is not medical advice. It is based on anecdotal user experience alone. If you are thinking about incorporating cannabis (delta-8 THC, delta-9 THC, CBD, etc) into your medicinal routine, please consult a healthcare professional. Do not stop taking any prescribed medications without first consulting your doctor.)

Disclaimer: This article reflects the laws of the United States at the time it was written. Because cannabis laws in the United States laws are subject to change at any time, please make sure that you are always staying up to date on your federal, state, and local county’s cannabis laws. Additionally, we are NOT encouraging anyone to break the law––we are simply showing people ways to legally and discreetly bring their cannabis products along with them on their travels so that they may have access to those products when they reach their intended destination.

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