There’s something special about the Moroccan hammam. For centuries, people have visited these warm, steamy bathhouses not only to cleanse their skin, but also to relax, connect, and renew their energy. If you’ve ever stepped into a hammam, you know the feeling of leaving lighter, softer, and refreshed. The good news is—you can bring that same ritual into your own home with just a few simple tools and steps.
Step 1: Prepare Your Space
Start by setting the mood. A hammam is about slowing down, so choose a time when you won’t be rushed. Run a warm shower or fill your bathroom with steam for a few minutes. Light a candle if you like, or place a small bowl of rose water nearby. This helps create the calm atmosphere that’s so important to the hammam ritual.
Step 2: Warm and Soften the Skin
Traditionally, the hammam begins with heat and water. The warmth helps open pores and softens the skin, preparing it for cleansing. You don’t need a special setup—just spend a few minutes under warm running water.
Tip: Some people keep a small copper bowl to pour water gently over their shoulders, a gesture that makes the moment feel more mindful.
Step 3: Apply Black Soap
Moroccan black soap, or beldi soap, is a key part of the hammam. Made with olive oil paste, it’s rich and silky, designed to deeply cleanse without stripping the skin. Apply it all over your body and let it sit for a few minutes. This is when the magic starts—the soap loosens dead skin and prepares it for exfoliation.
(Our brand’s black soap is prepared with natural olive oil, staying close to traditional recipes, but with a softer texture for home use.)
Step 4: Exfoliate with a Kessa Glove
Once the soap has done its work, it’s time for exfoliation. Using a kessa glove, rub your skin in firm, sweeping strokes. Don’t be surprised if you see small rolls of dead skin appear—this is the classic hammam effect. Take your time and be gentle; the goal is renewal, not redness.
Step 5: Rinse and Nourish
Rinse away the soap and enjoy the refreshed feeling. After the rinse, tradition calls for hydration. Argan oil, known in Morocco as “liquid gold,” is often applied to the skin. Its lightweight texture and natural vitamin E help restore softness and protect against dryness.
(Our pure argan oil is cold-pressed, keeping the nutrients intact for a nourishing finish.)
Step 6: A Moment of Rest
In Morocco, the hammam doesn’t end with the last rinse. People often relax afterwards with mint tea, sitting quietly while the body cools down. You can do the same at home—wrap yourself in a towel or robe, sip something warm, and let the calm settle in.
Tools You’ll Need
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Warm water and steam
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Black soap (savon beldi)
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Kessa exfoliating glove
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Argan oil or a natural body oil
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A towel or robe for resting afterwards
Closing Thoughts
Recreating a hammam at home is more than skincare—it’s a small ritual of slowing down, caring for yourself, and connecting with a centuries-old tradition. You don’t need much, just a few simple tools and a little time.
If this experience sparks your curiosity, there’s always more to discover about Moroccan beauty rituals—each one carrying a piece of history, passed down through generations.