Cigarette Smoke
Terroa/iStock/GettyImages

It doesn't take long for cigarette smoke to take a firm hold on garments and tresses, spelling disaster for anyone who needs to smell fresh fast. Whether you had a late night out in a smoky bar or just want to feel refreshed, there are remedies in your home and at your local drugstore to refresh your hair without your having to jump into the shower.

Once you are out of smoke range, loosen your hair and let it waft in some fresh air and sunlight, if you can. These elements help aerate your strands and remove the surface smoke clinging to them.

If you don't have time to go outside and get some fresh air, turn to your blow dryer. Blast your locks with cold air from your beauty tool for about five minutes. Hot air can bake the smell into dry strands; however, cold air helps to blow away residual scents.

Tips

If you know ahead of time that you will be in a smoke-filled environment, pull your hair back into a tidy bun or braid. If you have short hair, wrap a scarf around your locks or wear a hat. These techniques keep most of your hair out of the smoke's path.

If you have some citrus fruit handy, such as an orange, lemon or lime, you can make an effective natural deodorizer. Zest an entire lemon, lime or orange and put it in a clean spray bottle. Add about 1 cup of water and allow it to sit for 15 minutes.

Spritz your locks with the citrus-infused spray. The acids in the citrus zest break down the smoke smell and release a refreshing fragrance. Avoid direct and prolonged time in the sun after applying this spray -- unless you want to add sunny citrus highlights to your hair, too.

Using baking soda to remove unwanted odors from refrigerators and laundry is a time-honored tradition. This gentle product works just as well in the beauty department. Mix 1 to 2 tablespoons of baking soda with a cup of water in a spray bottle. Shake it to combine thoroughly.

Spritz the liquid on your locks for a completely scent-free, additive-free deodorizer that removes the smoke smell and has no harsh side effects on hair.

Tips

Avoid applying heavy perfumes or body sprays, which might only mask the smell for a short time. These products also have the potential to compound the smoke smell for a confusing combo.

If you are running low on time and don't have the resources to make your own deodorizing spray, beauty products can help. Dry shampoo is designed to soak up oil and contaminants, and comes in both scented and fragrance-free formulas. Opt for an aerosol spray dry shampoo since it delivers even application to all of your strands. Most of these formulas include a small amount of alcohol, which also tamps down smoke smells as it evaporates.

Dryer sheets also remove smoke smells and leave behind a fresh, comforting scent. Place a dryer sheet underneath your pillowcase before bed. The dryer sheet will remove odors while you sleep. Alternatively, rub your hairbrush with a dryer sheet and then comb through your strands to aerate them and infuse your locks with a fresh scent.