The traditional Syrian hookahs have a different head configuration than the more common Egyptian head configuration. Essentially, the Syrian argile has a female component which attaches to a head with a male component, while the Egyptian argile has a male component that attaches with a head that has a female component. Syrian hookahs and Lebanese hookahs are very similar in that they both have the same head configuration and typically have more ornate designs than other hookahs. The quality and materials of Syrian hookahs varies from manufacturer to manufacturer.

Recently, more Syrian Hookahs are being made with the Egyptian head configuration due to its popularity. Each hookah below is specified with what type of head configuration it has.