Is This A Male-only Pursuit? Are There Any Women Who Enjoy Hookah?

[Blue Midnight]

Tons of females come into my lounge. I would say the ratio is maybe 55-60% male, 40-45% female. So it is pretty close. That being said, many groups of girls/women come in by themselves and certainly know their way around a hookah. I have also had several females come in to buy a hookah for their house or dorm room. So, in short YES many many females enjoy hookah. Go visit your local lounge and I think you will find them!! Edited April 12, 2007 by Blue Midnight

[cemab4y]

Thanks for the information, Blue! Fact is, my interest is only academic. I am stuck in a plywood shack out in the middle of the Iraqi desert, and there is no hookah lounge nearby. Ironic, isn't it! I am in the middle east, and I am restricted to base (for my own safety). My USA home is in suburban Washington DC, when I return (August 2008), I will visit the lounges in Baltimore/DC area.

Oddly enough, there is a small Turkish shop on the base here. They have some Hookahs for sales, but I am solidly unimpressed with them. They are basically 'crap', and I do not intend to buy any here. I lived in Saudi Arabia for a year, and the shops there, had some fabulous instruments. The costs varied from low to high, and the overall quality was very good. The propietor of the smoke-shop that I patronized, was a very friendly man, even though he spoke no English at all, he was just delighted that an American would patronize his store. I bought several hookahs, and a good supply of tobacco. I flew back to the USA in 1998, and at that time, it was very difficult to locate supplies (in Bowling Green KY). Ironic! In the heart of Kentucky tobacco country, no Arabian tobacco.

[LeBleuet&Wench]

Thank god (or whomever) for online ordering!

I'm also a woman (sorry, not a "chick" -- if I was fuzzy, yellow, and three inches tall, I doubt LeBleuet would be very interested despite my potential for edible "breasts").

He introduced me to it (though we really tried it for the first time together). He has a big Egyptian, and I let him take care of it, even though I know how. He picked it out as a surprise on Xmas Eve, and I consider it "his" hookah. (I'm sorry, but I just find it kind of ugly -- looks much better in B&W photos.)

I really want to get my own little hookah. Something relatively small (under 20"), double hose w/ good length, portable, and easy to take care of. And nice to look at. I mostly plan to use it for the park and in the bath. Smoking some nice shisha during a warm bath (sometimes LeBleuet joins me!) and either talking or reading is a great way to begin or finish an evening! Sometimes we even crank up the stereo with a little music!

[cemab4y]

There are many hookahs like that for sale on the 'net. I found a nice little one for $20, that included tobacco, coals, etc. I ordered it for my trailer, I will use it for one last smoke each night.

[cemab4y]

This has been an interesting discussion. I would like to keep it going! I am fascinated by the female perspective on the "Queen of Smoking". Some of the female smokers here, are charged with cleaning the instruments. Personally, I keep my hookah cleaned and polished, myself. I consider that part of the ritual, to thoroughly clean the interior of the unit, and then apply a coat of fine silver polish to the stem. I even use a little furniture stain, on the wood mouthpiece, when it is faded or has a water-mark on it.

[ghostofdavid]

My girlfriend has never smoked. Anything. I only know of one other girl that hits the hookah on a semi-regular basis outside of the forum.

[lazria]

I had this discusion w/ my BF the other night. I basically told him that he doesn't enjoy it as much, which he clearly doesn't. I think it's because he's a big ciggy smoker - he'll smoke them even while dragging on a hookah. I'm NOT a ciggy smoker - if and when I have some, a pack will last me 2 weeks!

I'm the cleaner, the set-up master, but he will atleast "polish" the outside well - LOL

That's alright, I'm planning on a custom job from Hookah-Hookah when I get the funds, it will be MINE and only MINE! No TOUCHY!

[FlyingRock]

My best female friend smokes hookah as much as me, owns a hookah and such (already getting the upgrade itch) it's a smaller one, 19", pink.. Not sure of the brand, it was bought locally..

Me and her take turns packing and lighing coals, neither of us like smoking alone, so we usually do it together, or with friends, but shes into hookah as much as me.

Basicly, like was said, alot of females like hookah, i know a few who enjoy it, but only 2 who actually own one.

[Scheetz]

Have a lot of female friends that love smoking. I try to pull them away from cigs and get them to only hit the hookah.

As far as the forum goes well everyone knows:

Diz Intranetz Bez 2 Complecatedz for De Womanz

[RossH]

My roommate, a female, likes the hookah a lot. Although nowhere near as much as I do. Her cousin likes it a lot too, and has been known to be a "hookah hog".

[girlgeek]

Diz Intranetz Bez 2 Complecatedz for De Womanz

Thank you for the best laugh I've had since my engineer buddy called me "clever. . .for a girl" You made my night and YOMANK!

[cemab4y]

These are some fascinating comments!! It looks like the hookah is crossing gender lines. My wife will probably start to enjoy the hookah, in the future, but not just now.

[leadpipecinch21]

most of my female friends enjoy smoking shisha, but none of them like to/care to smoke it on a regular enough basis to warrant owning a hookah for themselves. I've shown all of them how to do everything, and every now and then when we're smoking one of them will help set up, but for the most part, it all resides on me.

Granted, my male friends are in the same situation too, so it's not really based on gender, more so the as it is the convenience of someone else owning/paying for everything and setting everything else up.

...bunch of ingrates...

[Allia22]

As long as the people I show/demonstrate my hookah to aren't from my school (idiots ) then I've gotten a decent reception, as in people don't throw things at me while I'm puffing in my car. My friend just bought a hookah of his own because he enjoyed mine so much! The cancer spreads... XD

[3rooker]

I know a few women that love hookah. My wife and I love hookah. That is an interesting point, though. It does seem like more men than women. Allia, I thought about getting a small hookah for my truck. What size do you have and how do you keep it stable? Edited May 6, 2007 by txhookahman

[wpw36]

well i know of No females here in hastings that smoke it is me and three other guys

[Allia22]

I know a few women that love hookah. My wife and I love hookah. That is an interesting point, though. It does seem like more men than women. Allia, I thought about getting a small hookah for my truck. What size do you have and how do you keep it stable?

Bleh, not while I'm driving! I like to keep everything stationary when smoking. I just sit it on the passenger's side floor and it's pretty stable. Other people on here have made up strange contraptions for mobile smoking, but that's another thread

[cemab4y]

An interesting discussion. More females are picking up on hookah every day! Any more wish to add their experiences?

[hookahlife]

(Disclaimer- I am already married,and not on the prowl.)

I am interested. Are there any women who enjoy the Hookah? I have been scrolling through the posts, and I have not yet found any Distaff smokers yet. Is this a male-only pursuit? Do any of your wives participate? (Mine does not smoke Hookah, yet, only cigarettes).

This is an excellent observation. As an online retailer we have also noticed that nearly 90% of our patrons are male. We think it has something to do with the complexity of the product; women don’t usually get excited about owning a hookah as it involves maintenance and work to setup before smoking. Also, I would ponder that it’s also the lack of female oriented products on the market to draw women into buying a hookah. Most hookahs are blunt, obtrusive and cumbersome. If there was a product out there that was delicate, not just in color, but also in shape and easy to maintain we think that with some pushing towards the female population more women would begin to participate in hookah.

Hope this helps.

[nofrendo]

(Disclaimer- I am already married,and not on the prowl.)

I am interested. Are there any women who enjoy the Hookah? I have been scrolling through the posts, and I have not yet found any Distaff smokers yet. Is this a male-only pursuit? Do any of your wives participate? (Mine does not smoke Hookah, yet, only cigarettes).

This is an excellent observation. As an online retailer we have also noticed that nearly 90% of our patrons are male. We think it has something to do with the complexity of the product; women don't usually get excited about owning a hookah as it involves maintenance and work to setup before smoking. Also, I would ponder that it's also the lack of female oriented products on the market to draw women into buying a hookah. Most hookahs are blunt, obtrusive and cumbersome. If there was a product out there that was delicate, not just in color, but also in shape and easy to maintain we think that with some pushing towards the female population more women would begin to participate in hookah.

Hope this helps.

+1

My female friends (most of my friends are female) and my gf really like hookah, and are always down to smoke with me, but I think there is something about the intracacies of hookah setup, transport, discussion and maintenence that I think turns females off somewhat.

Kinda like there is something about the intracacies of hair, makeup, and overall appearance that I never notice and choose to ignore (example: There's this girl I know that has no eyelashes, a friend of a friend, and every time I hang out with girls, all they talk about after she leaves is how weird she looks with no eyelashes... I would have NEVER noticed that in a million years...)

Not to be sexist, of COURSE there are plenty of exceptions, but that's my opinion in general.

My girl friends don't care if it's a little too harsh, the smoke isn't thick enough, it tastes slightly burnt, there's not enough flavor, the hose doesn't draw well, etc.

Just like I won't notice if my GF doesn't wear eyeshadow or something...

That's about as far as the analogy holds up, but I think it works.

[Erica]

(Disclaimer- I am already married,and not on the prowl.)

I am interested. Are there any women who enjoy the Hookah? I have been scrolling through the posts, and I have not yet found any Distaff smokers yet. Is this a male-only pursuit? Do any of your wives participate? (Mine does not smoke Hookah, yet, only cigarettes).

This is an excellent observation. As an online retailer we have also noticed that nearly 90% of our patrons are male. We think it has something to do with the complexity of the product; women don’t usually get excited about owning a hookah as it involves maintenance and work to setup before smoking. Also, I would ponder that it’s also the lack of female oriented products on the market to draw women into buying a hookah. Most hookahs are blunt, obtrusive and cumbersome. If there was a product out there that was delicate, not just in color, but also in shape and easy to maintain we think that with some pushing towards the female population more women would begin to participate in hookah.

Hope this helps.

Wow.. you know, I have never thought about that before.. But that would really make sense as to why I am such a huge Mya Saray fan... they are not quite as hard to look at...

Hrrmm

well that and they smoke amazingly well.

[ThePaulson]

I'm go to school with a group of 9 people, and i'm the only guy. When we get together at my place, a hookah is always set up and enjoyed by at least 3 or 4 of us. it's great!

[Sonthert]

(Disclaimer- I am already married,and not on the prowl.)

I am interested. Are there any women who enjoy the Hookah? I have been scrolling through the posts, and I have not yet found any Distaff smokers yet. Is this a male-only pursuit? Do any of your wives participate? (Mine does not smoke Hookah, yet, only cigarettes).

This is an excellent observation. As an online retailer we have also noticed that nearly 90% of our patrons are male. We think it has something to do with the complexity of the product; women don’t usually get excited about owning a hookah as it involves maintenance and work to setup before smoking. Also, I would ponder that it’s also the lack of female oriented products on the market to draw women into buying a hookah. Most hookahs are blunt, obtrusive and cumbersome. If there was a product out there that was delicate, not just in color, but also in shape and easy to maintain we think that with some pushing towards the female population more women would begin to participate in hookah.

Hope this helps.

Same general trend as pornography, in adult "bookstores". 15 years ago, it was men only with a few lesbians thrown in for flavor, like 99% men. Women, who chose to buy "Adult Novelty Items" bought them at women's stores, online or dumbed down versions (Its not really a dildo, its a hand massager). They also tended to frequent the higher profile places, like Hustler or Hollywood, like a brand name is going to make the dildo better. Now, although the percentage is still lower of women, its still a lot higher. Its still uncommon to see women in porno stores by themselves (from my observations), but you do see them with males, I've personally taken three or four women in there because they "wanted someone to go with." and still seen other women in there.

What does that have to do with this?

My guess is, Eugene, in venal pursuits, men are the first ones on the scene and then escort women to it and then women start doing it independently. Porno or hookah. Hookah in San Diego is, more or less, in the mixed phase, sometimes groups of women come to smoke hookah, but they usually bring a man, even gay, just for show. I have seen larger bands of women roving about hookah lounges without men...that may be the next phase...

On a party, by party basis:
1. Men
2. Woman with man
3. Women with men
4. Women with man
5. Many Women, no man
6. Women

Bars underwent the same general metamorphosis throughout the 70s (the age of the men and women going to bars simultaneously). I remember that my grandfather's bar was populated by almost exclusively by men...and I'm not that old.

Repackaging the idea is a popular solution, it may even have some short-term effects, but I think to become socially acceptable to go through these stages of development, generally. Women seem to be more focused on the aesthetics, but when the aesthetics rule over the functionality, the users become dilettantes until the next thing comes out to attract their attention. People with aesthetic driven modes tend to become sated by specific forms and need to seek new forms to please themselves.

No moral opinion offered...just observations.

How many people reading this look at the packaging, the design, and by a brand based on its outside looks? Aren't you also the first ones to get excited when a new brand comes out? Think about it.

[cemab4y]

Other than the hookah's similarity to a phallus, I do not see the connection between hookah smoking and pornography! True, there is a "ritual" involved in the hookah experience: The set-up, tobacco loading, lighting off the charcoal, then there is the disassembly, clean-up,etc. Hookahs normally do not come in "feminine" colors, the colors available for vases and hoses, are generally vibrant colors, or androgynous.

Reminds me of the Lionel corporation, way back in the 60's; they sold pink toy train sets, designed for girls. I am serious, it really happened. The train sets never proved popular, toy trains just do not make the "gender jump".

I do think that if hookahs came in feminine colors, and were marketed to women, then more ladies would consider the hookah! Marketing is an inexact science, at best. After all, it was not considered "ladylike" to smoke cigarettes for many decades. The Marlboro cigarette company tried to sell their brand to women, by using a red-colored paper on the filter end of the cigarette, so that lipstick would not show. The plan did not work. Marlboros were and still are primarily a male brand. The "Marlboro Man", and the cowboy/western theme, remains the most effective cigarette marketing campaign in history.

The tobacco companies went to "feminine" cigarettes: Virginia Slims, Eve,etc. and these brands just flew off the shelf.

I am convinced that there is a huge market just waiting to be tapped, for women to enjoy Hookah smoking. The artisanship and beauty of the instrument, as well as the history and mysticism of the Arabian connection, could be used to sell hookah to women. The experience of group smoking, where a number of females could pass the hose around, and gab, seems to be just made for distaff smoking.

[girlgeek]

I find this all very interesting. I can't speak for all women, or even most women, I was raised by a grease-monkey and a teamster, pantyhose and "the rules" mystify me.

I was originally attracted to hookah b/c of the aesthetics and the ritual involved. First I wanted a more complex smoking ritual than "light clove, puff" All the men I know who smoke got turned on by me (oops!) Sis likes the way hookah tastes and the way hookahs look, but usually makes me do the packing and heat management.

On porn stores: 1. Most of the ones in my neighborhood don't feel quite safe, nothing like a man trying to chat you up after coming out of a jizz-booth. 2. I only speak for me, but most of the porn I've seen involves an ugly guy bangin' a woman in some position that doesn't look comfortable, let alone fun. I read somewhere that a lot of women are into gay porn, better looking guys I guess.

I could write a paper on this stuff. . .