How to Smoke Shisha for the First Time

1. Choose Easy Beginner Friendly Flavours

Start with something light and refreshing like mint or apple. Those are the beginner flavours that we recommend. Husk, Tar-Free blends like what we offer are great for beginners because they give that buzz and kick even better than traditional shisha.

2. Set Up Your Hookah

Make sure your hookah is assembled correctly, the bowl is packed loosely, and the coals are lit properly. Not sure how? Check out our step-by-step guide on how to set up hookah for easy instructions.

3. Warm Up the Bowl

Once the coals are on, let the bowl heat up for 2–3 minutes before you start pulling. This helps activate the flavour without burning it.

4. Inhale Gently

Take slow, steady draws through the hose. Don’t inhale into your lungs like a cigarette — just let the smoke sit in your mouth and exhale.

5. Pace Yourself

Shisha isn’t about rushing. Enjoy the flavour, chat with friends, and take your time. Stay hydrated, and if it gets harsh, remove a coal or give it a minute to cool down.

newbie tips and faqs

What is husk shisha?

Husk shisha is made using a natural husk-based mix that produces smooth, flavorful sessions without relying on the ingredients commonly found in traditional mixes. It’s known for cleaner heat performance, longer-lasting flavour, and a more refined smoking experience.

Husk Shisha vs. Traditional Shisha

Where did shisha originate?

Shisha began in the Indian subcontinent in the 16th century and later spread to Persia. From there, it became popular across the Middle East, eventually becoming a well-known part of social culture in many regions today.
Husk shisha from our brand comes from Australia, manufactured and perfected here in the heart of Melbourne. Tuah shisha is the only brand that sells husk shisha that is different from traditional brands.

Does hookah get you high?

Not really — but it can give you a buzz. When you smoke hookah, you inhale nicotine, which can make you feel relaxed, lightheaded, or slightly euphoric. Some people may also feel mild dizziness, especially if they inhale deeply or smoke on an empty stomach.

The strength of the buzz depends on your tolerance and how much you smoke. If you overdo it, you might feel nauseous or dizzy. The buzz usually fades within about 30 minutes after your session.

What to do before, during and after smoking?

Before smoking hookah, ensure you have a clean, well-maintained setup with quality shisha and natural charcoal, and prepare your environment in a well-ventilated space. During your session, take slow, steady puffs, manage heat by rotating charcoal, stay hydrated, and follow social etiquette when sharing. After smoking, safely dispose of charcoal, Don’t forget—cleaning your hookah between sessions is key to better flavour and performance, store shisha properly, and assess your experience to adjust for next time.

How long does shisha last?

A typical shisha session lasts around 45 minutes to 1 hour. If you use a larger bowl or manage your heat well, the session can stretch to up to 2 hours. You may need to add more coals and keep the temperature steady to make it last longer. Generally, our husk shisha can stretch up to 2 hours when done right.

Is Shisha even good for you?

It depends. Although it has long been associated with health risks, including exposure to harmful chemicals like tar, carbon monoxide, and carcinogens. Many believe that the water in a hookah filters out toxins, but research shows that traditional shisha still delivers high levels of harmful substances, contributing to respiratory issues, heart disease, and even cancer. However, not all shisha products are the same.

Does shisha have nicotine?

Yes. Shisha is made from tobacco, so it naturally contains nicotine. Because shisha sessions often last longer than smoking a cigarette, you can end up absorbing a higher amount of nicotine over time. Even if you don’t inhale deeply, nicotine can still be absorbed through your mouth.
Our Husk shisha is unique in that it has the same effect as nicotine, without the addition of tar, that gives you a stronger buzz.

Why is my hookah not pulling?

Your hookah usually won’t pull because something is blocking the airflow or there’s a leak. The most common issues are:

• Overpacked bowl – If the bowl is packed too tightly, air can’t flow. Loosen it so the mix is fluffy and not blocking the holes.
  
• Clogged hose – A dirty or blocked hose will stop airflow. Clean it or replace it if needed.
  
• Air leaks – Check all seals and connections. If you can still pull air when covering the bowl, there’s a leak.
  
• Wrong water level – Too much or too little water makes it harder to pull. The downstem should sit about 1–2 cm in the water.

Poor heat – Coals that aren’t fully lit or not hot enough won’t produce proper smoke. Make sure all coals are glowing evenly.