A method for controlling an electronic cigarette and an electronic cigarette. The method includes: acquiring a work start signal of the electronic cigarette; acquiring a time interval between starting work this time and stopping work last time; when the time interval is greater than a first preset time interval, controlling the electronic cigarette to work at a first power, and when a duration of the first power is greater than a first preset duration, turning off the electronic cigarette; when the time interval is greater than a second preset time interval but less than or equal to the first preset time interval, controlling the electronic cigarette to work at a second power, and when a duration of the second power is greater than a second preset duration, turning off the electronic cigarette; wherein, the first power is greater than the second power.