In Morocco, the hammam is a weekly habit passed from mother to daughter: steam, black soap, the kessa glove, clay, and finally oil. You don't need a spa to enjoy it. A bathroom, an hour and a few simple tools are enough — here is the order we recommend after selling hammam essentials in the UAE since 1998.
Why a hammam?
One session combines three things: a deep cleanse with black soap, exfoliation with the kessa, and a purifying clay mask. Finish with oil and you get visibly smoother, softer skin — plus a real hour of calm. Doing it at home also means you control the water temperature, the pressure and the products.
Your hammam kit
| Tool | What it does |
|---|---|
| Moroccan black soap | Softens skin and preps it for exfoliation |
| Kessa exfoliating glove | Lifts away dead skin |
| Moroccan hammam herbs (sqala) | A traditional herbal scent for the steam and final rinse |
| Moroccan ghassoul clay | A purifying mask after exfoliation |
| Argan Rose relaxing massage oil | Moisture and relaxation to finish |
Add a jug or traditional bath bowl, two towels and two small bowls. Everything is in our Moroccan bath collection.
Before you start
- Plan 45-60 minutes in the evening, with nothing scheduled after.
- Drink a glass of water first.
- Avoid waxing for a day or two beforehand.
- Mix two spoons of clay with warm water or rose water to a yoghurt-like paste.
- Steep a spoonful of sqala herbs in hot water for 10 minutes, strain, and let it cool to warm.
Step by step
1. Steam — 10 minutes
Close the door, run the hot tap until the room is steamy, then shower in warm water or soak in the bath.
2. Black soap — 5-10 minutes
Smooth a tablespoon of soap over wet skin and leave it on in the steam. Wash your hair meanwhile. See our Moroccan soap collection for more bars and pastes.
3. Rinse and kessa — 10 minutes
Rinse, then use the wet glove in firm, one-direction strokes: legs, arms, stomach, then back. Two or three passes per area is plenty.
4. Clay mask — 10 minutes
Rinse again and spread the clay over your body and, thinly, your face (avoid the eyes). Rinse when the edges start to dry — before it cracks.
5. Herbal rinse
Pour the warm herbal water over your body as a final, fragrant rinse.
6. Oil and rest — 10 minutes
Pat dry and massage in oil with upward strokes: argan for moisture, lavender for an evening wind-down. More options in our massage oils collection. Then a warm tea and ten quiet minutes.
Rose touch: mix your clay with rose water instead of plain water, or mist your face with chilled rose water afterwards. See our rose water collection.
Hair tip: apply a nourishing oil to your ends before the steam and wash it out while the black soap sits on your skin. Find options in hair care.
How often?
Weekly for normal or oily skin; every two weeks for dry or sensitive skin. Don't add a second exfoliation in the same week.
FAQ
Do I need a steam room?
No. A closed bathroom with the hot tap running, or a 10-minute warm shower, does the job.
Can I skip the clay?
Yes. Soap, kessa and moisturiser are the core; clay is a bonus step when you have time.
Is it suitable for sensitive skin?
Yes, with cooler water, shorter leave-on times and lighter pressure. Patch-test each product first.
How long does it take?
About 45-60 minutes including rest.
Is it okay during pregnancy?
Avoid intense heat and steam during pregnancy and ask your doctor before starting a new routine.
Build your kit with Lotus Flower
Lotus Flower Honey & Herbs: 100% authentic Moroccan products, in the UAE since 1998. Delivery in 1-3 working days to all emirates, with an AED 15 delivery fee and free delivery on orders over AED 150. Pay cash on delivery, by card, or in 4 interest-free payments with Tabby. Return or exchange any product within 7 days of delivery, including opened products.
Not sure what to choose? Chat with us on WhatsApp +971502028263, or visit our shop or our stand in the Moroccan Pavilion at Global Village during the season. A full hammam kit usually qualifies for free delivery.
