How to….hammam
A hammam ritual is one of my favourite experiences to recommend for family and friends visiting Morocco.
You can read on to learn more about the different products used in a hammam bathing ritual, some of the benefits of a hammam, what to expect - depending on the type of hammam spa, and some of my tried and tested recommendations in the Agadir and Tamraght region.
First up, what is a hammam?
Its origins are in its roots as public bathhouses. A place for people to clean up before people had running water and ensuite bathrooms at home.
Public hammams are a community bonding experience and an incredibly cleansing and nourishing ritual.
I have always found it to be a unique way to meet and mingle with Moroccan women who seem in their element in a hammam.
Your hammam experience will depend on the style of hammam you choose. Different options are available, from public hammams to semi-luxe hammams to ultra-luxe. More on this below, and some tried and tested hammam options to consider in Tamraght and Agadir.
What to expect in a Moroccan hammam
Although the price, service, level of luxe, decor, and privacy will change depending on which kind of spa you choose, some parts of the experience will be similar.
Namely, the products used.
What products are used in the hammam ritual
Traditional black soap, also known as ‘savon beldi’, is a brown jelly-like soap made from olive oil and macerated olives. Its natural ingredients are rich in Vitamin E and have high-alkaline properties to restore balance to the skin. Black soap is deeply hydrating and nourishing for the skin. This is usually the first step of the hammam process. After the skin is rinsed with warm water, you or your hammam assistant will apply a layer of black soap.
Hammam glove, also known as a ‘kissa’ in Moroccan Arabic, is a scrubbing mitt which can sometimes feel a bit like damp sandpaper (!) used to deeply exfoliate the skin after the black soap is rinsed off.
Rhassoul clay is a blackish-grey clay that is applied as a healing mask. It is natural lava from the Atlas Mountains, dried in the sun, and ground into a fine powder. Rhassoul is rich in minerals, magnesium, potassium, and iron. It attracts impurities and, therefore, detoxifies the skin, beneficial for acne, inflammation, and skin irritations. It can also be used as a hair mask.
Argan oil is sometimes applied at the end as a nourishing oil for the hair and skin. It is also used in a post-hammam massage. The oil comes from the nut kernel that grows on argan trees in the Souss-Massa region in Morocco, roughly from Essaouira to Agadir. Argan is deeply nourishing for the hair and skin, although less is more with it. If it’s concentrated, it can leave hair a little greasy.
A bit more about the hammam process
This will depend on where you go, so keep reading for the different options.
At a spa or private hammam
You turn up, and they will provide all the necessary products, paper pants and fresh towels. If you have a particular shampoo or conditioner, you can take these with you and any after-cleansing products such as deodorant and makeup.
Two examples of this kind of hammam in Tamraght are;
Tamraght Spa House
This is our first choice for a traditional hammam ritual with luxury trimmings in Tamraght. It is a purpose-built spa house with two traditional hammam chambers, one for men and one for women. They also have several well-appointed massage rooms. The focus is on hammams and massages, and they excel at both. They do not offer beauty or epilation.
The most popular combination is an exfoliating hammam scrub and a full-body massage. Choose from different hammam and massage options. Be sure to state your preference: ‘relaxant’ if you prefer a softer touch or ‘tonique’ for something stronger.
A few things to note:
Your ritual begins with a mint tea so arrive a little before your appointment.
They can get busy, especially during peak season and windy or rainy days. Book a day in advance via What’s App, see website.
Prices are a little higher than some of the other spas in the village, but well worth it. Payment is cash only.
Riad Dar Haven, Tamraght
This is a great recommendation if you prefer a more private experience, as they only have one hammam chamber and one massage suite. Perfect for a couple or two or three friends. The beautiful traditional hammam chamber for a purifying steam clean and deep exfoliation scrub. Your hammam ritual includes a layer of black soap, followed by mineral-rich ghassoul clay, allowing your fresh skin to glow. Nourishing argan oil is used for relaxing and soothing massages. The spa menu and booking details can be found here. Booking ahead is essential.
At a local or public hammam
If you want to do it the public way, the experience will be more basic, raw, and much less luxe than a spa hammam, and more work will be required on your part. So far less pampering than the two options listed above. Public hammams are available in every community in Morocco. Here in Tamraght, our closest one is in Aourir, and there are heaps more in Agadir. A nice upgrade from the basic public hammam in Aourir is the likes of Centre Basma, Agadir and Les Bains d’Agadir.
How much does a public hammam cost in Morocco?
The cost to enter a public hammam is around 10 Moroccan dirhams. This allows you access to the heated chamber rooms, water to rinse yourself, and basic changing facilities. You would also need to buy or bring all the products, i.e., black soap, scrubbing mitt, and anything else you’d like to use, including shampoo, conditioner, hair masks, and after-wash care. You can pay to have a hammam assistant scrub you, usually around 50 Moroccan dirhams. At Centre Basma, you will pay around 100 Moroccan dirhams for the use of the beldi soap, hammam steam room and a very attentive and thorough scrub and wash-down included.
Hammam process in a public hammam in Morocco
On arrival you will be asked to undress to your knickers or change into bikini bottoms, and allocated a locker for your belongings.
Walk through to the heated chamber, also known as the ‘chambre de vapeur’.
Step one is the application of the black soap or ‘savon beldi’. Then you will be ask to lie down or ‘allongé’ in the heated steam room to relax and open the skin’s pores. Leave the black soap on for around 10-15 minutes.
Before you go to the stone slab tables for the scrubbing part. This part can be a bit slip slidy, but fun! In my experience, the scrubbing process in a public hammam is the most efficient. The ladies here apply a serious amount of pressure and the results are noticeable. You can always say if it’s too strong for you! In public hammams, scrubbing yourself and asking a friend to do your back is possible.
The combination of black soap, heat, a hammam glove, and a firm hammam scrubber's hand can result in some serious layers of dead skin peeling off—often termed ‘spaghetti skin’. I am always amazed at how much skin comes off, especially when I go to a public hammam.
What to take with you to a public hammam
The first time I went to a public hammam, I took nothing. Whilst you can buy most things there if you need to, it is also nice to take the things you already have at home. I have since heard how Moroccan girls who go regularly have their hammam bags packed and ready to grab each week or visit, so now I am working towards that goal! A hammam bag could include the following;
Bikini bottoms or a spare pair of knickers to wear in the hammam—not your finest lingerie, as it’s going to get wet and covered in dead skin, Beldi soap, etc.
Waterproof flip flops
Towel and hair towel, if you prefer, you can also rent these at the hammam
Black soap, scrubbing mitt, ghassoul clay, a foot pumice, shampoo, conditioner, hair mask, a hair comb, soap or shower gel. After your scrub, any face creams, body moisturiser or body oil, or make-up.
I love the feel and look of my skin after a hammam—soft, smooth and glowing. There’s also something nourishing about being around and connecting with other women for this age-old tradition and communal bath time.
I hope you have found this helpful and that this article has enlightened you a bit about the hammam experience.
If so, please share with anyone who may benefit from a read. Let me know if you decide to try one out. I’d love to hear about your experience.
Shukran!
Basma Hammam and Wellness Centre, Agadir