Can Vaping Cause Headaches? The Complete UK Guide

By MisterVape.co.uk • Updated 2025

Vaping has become a popular alternative to smoking across the UK, but many new and experienced vapers have one common question: “Can vaping cause headaches?” The short answer: **yes, it can** — but not always, and not for everyone.

Headaches can be caused by several factors, including **nicotine strength, dehydration, coil performance, e-liquid ingredients, and device power settings**. In this guide, we’ll explore why vaping might give you headaches, how to **prevent them**, and the **best products** to make vaping smoother and more comfortable.

Why Vaping Can Cause Headaches

Vaping-related headaches are relatively common among new vapers but usually easy to fix. Common triggers include:

• High nicotine strength — using stronger liquids than your tolerance
• Dehydration — propylene glycol (PG) draws moisture from the mouth and throat
• Over-vaping — chain vaping can cause nicotine overconsumption
• Allergies or sensitivities — some users react to PG-heavy e-liquids
• Excess heat or harsh vapour — using incorrect coils or wattage settings

Nicotine Strength & Headaches

Using e-liquids with too much nicotine for your tolerance can lead to dizziness, throat irritation, and headaches. If you’re switching from disposables, many users unknowingly pick a liquid that’s **too strong**.

We recommend starting with lower nicotine strengths, especially if you're sensitive to headaches:

• High nicotine (20mg): For heavy smokers only
• Medium nicotine (10mg): For moderate smokers
• Low nicotine (5mg or 0mg): Best for casual or light users

Browse our full range of nicotine salt e-liquids for smoother vaping and better control over nicotine levels.

Dehydration & PG Sensitivity

One of the most overlooked causes of vaping headaches is dehydration. Most e-liquids contain propylene glycol (PG), which draws moisture from your mouth and throat. Without enough hydration, this can lead to dry mouth, fatigue, and headaches.

If you think PG sensitivity could be the issue, try switching to **balanced 50/50 e-liquids** or low-PG options, such as our range of Bar Juice 5000 Nic Salts, which deliver smooth flavour and minimal irritation.

Choosing the Right Vape Kit

The wrong device setup can create harsher vapour that contributes to headaches. Avoid powerful sub-ohm kits if you’re using high-nicotine liquids — too much vapour + high nicotine = potential discomfort.

Instead, we recommend **MTL pod systems** that are optimised for nic salts and smooth vapour delivery. Our best picks:

Best Nicotine Salts & Smooth E-Liquids

Nicotine salts are designed to provide a smoother throat hit at higher strengths, reducing harshness and lowering the risk of headaches caused by irritation.

• Elfliq by Elf Bar – Designed for ex-disposable users
• Doozy Nic Salts – Sweet, fruity blends with smooth throat hits
• IVG Salts – UK-favourite with menthol and dessert options

Coil Types & Vapour Temperature

Using the wrong coil resistance can cause overheating, harsh vapour, and throat dryness — all contributors to headaches.

• MTL coils (0.8Ω – 1.2Ω): Best for nic salts & smoother hits
• Sub-ohm coils (<0.6Ω): More vapour but may trigger headaches with high nicotine

Check out our full range of replacement coils to keep your vape running optimally.

How to Prevent Vaping Headaches

• Lower your nicotine strength gradually
• Stay hydrated throughout the day
• Switch to nicotine salts for smoother hits
• Clean coils regularly to prevent burnt flavours
• Use compact pod kits to regulate vapour intake
• Take breaks between puffs — avoid chain vaping

Shop our full range of starter vape kits and nicotine salts designed to deliver a headache-free experience.

FAQs

Does vaping cause headaches in everyone?

No, but dehydration, high nicotine, or PG sensitivity increase the likelihood.

Do nicotine-free e-liquids help?

Yes — switching to zero-nicotine e-liquids can reduce headaches caused by nicotine overload.

Can certain flavours trigger headaches?

Yes, sweet and menthol-heavy flavours can cause irritation for some users.

Final Thoughts

While vaping can cause headaches for some users, it’s usually easy to fix by adjusting your nicotine levels, improving hydration, and choosing the right vape setup. Shop MisterVape’s full range of:

🔗 Recommended Links: Pod Vape Kits • Nicotine Salts • Replacement Coils