How to Use a Moroccan Hammam: Complete First-Timer's Etiquette Guide

A traditional hammam follows a set sequence: you undress, move through progressively hotter steam chambers, have black olive soap (savon beldi) applied and left to work, then receive a full-body scrub with a rough kessa mitt that strips away dead skin. An optional ghassoul clay mask follows, and the session ends with a cool rinse and mint tea in the changing area. The whole process runs 45 to 90 minutes and leaves skin noticeably smoother. In a neighbourhood hammam locals repeat this weekly — it is as much a social ritual as a beauty treatment.

In a public neighbourhood hammam, women wear old cotton underwear or a swimsuit bottom; men wear tight shorts or underwear. Nothing is mandatory but full nudity would be culturally out of place. In tourist-oriented hammams, swimwear is universally accepted for any gender. Bring old or dark-coloured pieces — savon beldi can stain light fabrics, and the kessa mitt will catch on anything with lace or thin straps. The key accessory is a pair of flip-flops for the communal floors.

A public hammam (hammam shaabi) is a neighbourhood bathhouse used by locals, typically costing 15–25 MAD. You bring your own products, share communal marble slabs with others, and the attendant may speak only Darija. The experience is authentic and efficient. A tourist hammam — usually inside a riad or spa — costs 150–500 MAD, provides all products, often includes a private room, and has English-speaking staff who walk you through each step. First-timers benefit from the guided format; seasoned travellers often prefer the cheaper, grittier public version after that first visit.

In a public hammam, tip your attendant 10–20 MAD on top of the session fee — roughly the same as the scrub itself costs. In a tourist hammam where tipping is expected but not mandatory, 20–50 MAD per attendant is appropriate. If you receive a particularly thorough or skilled scrub, 50–100 MAD is generous and appreciated. Tip in cash and hand it directly to the person who served you, not at the front desk. Tipping the changing-room attendant who watches your belongings is customary too — 10 MAD is enough.

A kessa is a mitt made from rough woven fabric — traditionally Kessa fabric, similar to a loofa in abrasiveness. The attendant puts it on their hand and works with firm, long strokes across your body after the soap has softened the skin. The scrubbing removes dead skin cells in visible grey rolls, which is both satisfying and slightly confronting the first time. The whole process takes ten to fifteen minutes and covers the back, arms, legs and torso. You can buy a kessa glove for home use in any Marrakech pharmacy for around 15–20 MAD.

A basic public hammam visit — entering, warming up, getting the scrub, rinsing — takes around 45 to 60 minutes. Add a ghassoul clay mask and it stretches to 75 to 90 minutes. Tourist-oriented hammam packages in riads or spas typically block out 90 minutes to two hours, including a rest with mint tea at the end. Locals in neighbourhood hammams often spend two hours or more, socialising on the warm slabs. There is no pressure to rush; the hammam operates on Moroccan time.

For a public hammam: flip-flops, a kessa mitt (15–20 MAD from any pharmacy), a tub of savon beldi (5–15 MAD), two towels, old underwear, and a small waterproof bag. Leave jewellery, your phone, and fragrant products behind. For a tourist hammam, the package usually includes soap, kessa, and towels — check before you go so you are not carrying redundant kit. Either way, bring a small amount of cash for tips, and drink water before and after the session to offset the heat.