How to do the French inhale with a vape: The Ultimate Guide for American Vapers

So, you've seen those cool videos online, or maybe a friend showed you, and you're wondering: "How do I do the French inhale with a vape?" It's a classic vape trick that looks super smooth and sophisticated. While it might seem intimidating at first, with a little practice and by following these detailed steps, you'll be blowing out those French inhales like a pro in no time. This guide is designed for the average American vaper who wants to elevate their vaping experience beyond just the basic puff.

What Exactly is a French Inhale?

The French inhale, also sometimes called the "Irish Waterfall," is a vape trick where you exhale vapor through your mouth and simultaneously inhale it back in through your nose. The result is a visually appealing plume of vapor that seems to flow up from your mouth into your nostrils, creating a unique and impressive visual effect.

What You'll Need: The Right Vape and E-Liquid

Before you even think about attempting the trick, it's crucial to have the right equipment. Not all vapes are created equal when it comes to performing tricks.

A Sub-Ohm Vape Mod or Pod System: You'll want a device that can produce a good amount of vapor. Sub-ohm tanks and powerful pod systems are generally ideal because they heat up e-liquid more efficiently, leading to bigger clouds. A simple pen-style vape might struggle to produce enough vapor for this trick.
A High VG E-Liquid: E-liquids with a higher Vegetable Glycerin (VG) to Propylene Glycol (PG) ratio are your best friends for cloud production. Aim for something with at least 70% VG. Higher VG liquids produce thicker, denser vapor, which is essential for a good-looking French inhale.
Adequate Battery Life: Ensure your vape mod has enough power to sustain a few attempts. You don't want your battery dying mid-trick!

Step-by-Step Guide to Mastering the French Inhale

Now, let's get down to the nitty-gritty. Follow these steps carefully, and remember that patience and practice are key.

Take a Smooth, Medium-Sized Hit: Don't take an overly long or aggressive puff. A smooth, medium-sized draw from your vape is perfect. You want enough vapor in your mouth to perform the trick, but not so much that it's overwhelming. Think of it like taking a comfortable breath of air.
Hold the Vapor in Your Mouth: Once you've taken the hit, close your lips gently around your vape. Now, the crucial part: do not swallow or inhale the vapor into your lungs. Keep it in your mouth, almost like you're holding it for a moment to savor the flavor.
Gently Push the Vapor Out: This is where the "French" part comes in. Slightly open your mouth and gently push the vapor out, almost like you're exhaling a sigh. The vapor should start to escape from your lips.
Open Your Jaw and Tilt Your Head Back Slightly: As the vapor begins to exit your mouth, widen your jaw slightly. Simultaneously, tilt your head back a little. This creates an open pathway for the vapor to travel upwards.
Inhale Through Your Nose: This is the defining action of the French inhale. As the vapor is being pushed out of your mouth and your head is tilted back, actively but gently inhale through your nose. You're essentially "catching" the vapor that's escaping your mouth with your nasal inhale.
Relax and Feel the Flow: The vapor should travel from your mouth, up through your nasal passages. It might feel a little strange at first, but try to relax your facial muscles and let the vapor flow. The smoother the transition, the better the trick will look.
Practice, Practice, Practice: Don't get discouraged if you don't nail it on your first try. Most people need several attempts. Try to do it in front of a mirror to see what you're doing and adjust your technique.

Tips for Success

Here are some extra tips to help you achieve that perfect French inhale:

Start Small: When you're first learning, try with smaller puffs. It's easier to control less vapor.
Experiment with Head Tilt: The angle of your head is important. Too far back might make it difficult; too little might not allow the vapor to flow. Find your sweet spot.
Don't Force It: The key is gentle movements. Trying to force the vapor or inhale too aggressively will likely ruin the effect.
Control Your Exhale: The way you push the vapor out of your mouth is critical. Think of it as a controlled sigh.
Be Patient: This trick takes time and muscle memory. Keep at it, and you'll get it!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even with the best intentions, beginners often make a few common mistakes:

Inhaling into Lungs First: The trick is to keep the vapor in your mouth. If you inhale it into your lungs, you won't have any vapor to work with for the French inhale.
Forcing Vapor Too Hard: Pushing the vapor out too forcefully will cause it to dissipate quickly and won't create the desired smooth flow.
Closing Your Mouth Too Soon: Keep your mouth slightly open to allow the vapor to escape and your nasal inhale to catch it.
Holding Your Breath: You need to be able to breathe through your nose. Don't hold your breath while trying to execute the trick.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How do I know if I'm doing the French inhale correctly?

You'll know you're doing it right when you feel the vapor moving from your mouth up into your nasal passages. Visually, you'll see a plume of vapor flowing from your mouth towards your nose. If you're not feeling or seeing this, you might be pushing the vapor out too quickly or not inhaling through your nose effectively.

Why does the French inhale feel weird in my nose?

It can feel a little unusual at first because we're not accustomed to inhaling vapor through our noses. The e-liquid ingredients, especially PG, can sometimes cause a slight tingling sensation. If it's uncomfortable or causes a cough, try using a higher VG e-liquid or taking smaller puffs.

Can I do the French inhale with any vape?

While you can technically attempt it with any vape that produces vapor, it's much easier and looks better with devices that produce larger, denser clouds. Sub-ohm mods and powerful pod systems are highly recommended for a more satisfying French inhale experience.

How long does it take to learn the French inhale?

This varies from person to person. Some people might get the hang of it within a few tries, while others may take several days or even weeks of consistent practice. Patience is your greatest asset here.

Mastering the French inhale is a fun way to impress your friends and add a bit of flair to your vaping routine. By understanding the mechanics and practicing diligently, you'll be well on your way to perfecting this classic vape trick. Happy vaping and happy tricking!