The cigarette holder, how does it work?

You have already seen one in any number of films or cartoons: the cigarette holder is a smoking accessory that has become steadily rarer. Its purpose, though, was a real one. Here is an overview of this curious object, which is now little used.

What is a cigarette holder?

The cigarette holder takes the form of a tube into which the cigarette is fitted. Longer or shorter, made in various materials, it comes in a range of colours. It has often been described as an accessory used mainly by women, out of concern for the appearance of their hands. Its role is quite simply to keep the fingers from being stained yellow by tobacco. It also avoids carrying the smell of stale tobacco on the hands from one day to the next. It is widely shown in the hands of women who smoke in many films and even in animation, as with Cruella de Vil in 101 Dalmatians.

Some smokers also have sensitive eyes, either because of an existing weakness or because they wear contact lenses. Smoke close to the face can then cause unpleasant stinging. Users of a cigarette holder report that keeping the smoke further from the eyes reduces the problem. In short, it is a practical accessory in a number of situations.

Using a cigarette holder: instructions

A cigarette holder is extremely simple to use. The cigarette is inserted filter first into the accessory. Take care not to push it in too far, or it may break. Make sure too that it is properly held, otherwise it risks falling out.

The cigarette is then smoked as usual. The only difference is that it is the mouthpiece of the holder, rather than the filter, that reaches the lips. The draw is generally the same.

Once the cigarette is finished, put it out carefully in the ashtray, then remove the stub. If your holder has an ejection system, all you need to do is take the accessory between index and middle finger and press the end with your thumb. The stub then drops into the ashtray on its own.