Your First Moroccan Hammam: Etiquette and What to Expect

What to bring

• Swimwear or old underwear you do not mind getting wet. Full nudity is not the norm in Moroccan hammams.
• A change of dry underwear and a hairbrush for afterwards.
• Flip-flops for the wet floor (often available to rent).
• Everything else — towels, black soap, kessa glove, rhassoul, mat — a guided visit provides for you.

What to wear inside

Women keep their underwear bottoms on, and often the top too. You will be given a towel to move around. Nobody is looking at you — a women's hammam is a busy, matter-of-fact place.

What the scrub feels like

After the black soap and ten minutes of steam, the kessa glove is worked firmly over your skin. It is a strong sensation, not a painful one, and you will see rolls of grey dead skin lift away. Tell your kassâl if you want lighter pressure — “shwiya” means “a little”. Skin can feel slightly raw for an hour, then becomes remarkably soft.

How long and when

Budget 45 minutes to an hour for the bath itself, longer with a massage. The women's hammam has set hours through the day, and we book you into a women's session. Avoid going with a full stomach, and drink water before and after.

Small rules that matter

• No photos inside — ever.
• Keep your voice low; it is a place to slow down.
• Rinse your area and your bucket before you leave it for the next person.
• Tip the attendant and the kassâl; it is expected and modest.

Afterwards

Rest in the changing room, rehydrate, and moisturise — argan oil is traditional. Expect to feel warm, loose and a little sleepy. Many people book their hammam for late afternoon so it flows straight into dinner and an early night.