Moroccan Hammam & Black Soap FAQ
Everything you need to know about the Moroccan hammam ritual, black soap, kessa gloves, rhassoul clay and henna. Ready to start? Shop our black soap and spa essentials.
The Moroccan hammam
What is a Moroccan hammam?
A hammam is a traditional Moroccan steam bath used for cleansing, relaxation and social time. The ritual combines warm steam, black soap, exfoliation with a kessa glove, and often a rhassoul clay treatment.
What is the traditional hammam ritual, step by step?
A typical ritual starts with warm steam to soften the skin. Moroccan black soap is applied to damp skin and left for a few minutes, then the body is exfoliated with a kessa glove and rinsed. Many people finish with a rhassoul clay mask for skin or hair, then moisturize with a few drops of argan oil.
Can I do a hammam ritual at home?
Yes. A warm shower or bath replaces the steam room. You need black soap, a kessa glove, and optionally rhassoul clay and argan oil. Our hammam collection has the essentials.
What do I need for a hammam ritual at home?
The core items are Moroccan black soap and a kessa glove. Rhassoul clay, rose water and argan oil are popular extras. The Moroccan Hammam Trio bundles eucalyptus black soap, henna powder and a set of two kessa gloves.
Moroccan black soap (savon noir)
What is Moroccan black soap?
Moroccan black soap, also called beldi soap or savon noir, is a traditional gel-like paste used in the hammam to cleanse, soften and exfoliate the skin. Shop our Moroccan black soap.
What is Moroccan black soap made of?
Traditional black soap is made from olive oil, crushed olives, water and potassium hydroxide, and some versions include essential oils. Our Argan'It black soaps are handcrafted in Morocco and enriched with argan oil and natural essential oils.
How do I use Moroccan black soap?
Apply it to damp skin in a warm shower or bath, leave it on for a few minutes, then exfoliate gently with a kessa glove and rinse well. Follow the directions on the product page for the recommended time.
How often should I use black soap?
Once a week is enough for most people. If your skin is dry or tough, you can use it up to twice a week.
Which black soap scent should I choose?
Our scents include Rose, Neroli, Eucalyptus, Oud, Argan, Argan & Rose, Argan Oil with Lavender and Argan Oil with Verbena. Oud is warm, rich and woody, Eucalyptus is fresh, cooling and invigorating, and Argan & Rose is nourishing with a soft floral note. The Black Soap Trio lets you try three.
Can I use black soap on my face?
Black soap is mostly used on the body. If you want to try it on your face, do a patch test first, use a small amount, avoid the eyes and rinse well. For gentle facial exfoliation, use a kessa face glove.
Is black soap suitable for sensitive skin?
Do a patch test first and start with a small amount. Avoid broken or irritated skin and the eyes, and stop use if irritation occurs.
How should I store black soap?
Keep the jar tightly closed in a cool, dry place and keep water out of the jar so the paste stays smooth.
Kessa gloves
What is a kessa glove?
A kessa is a traditional Moroccan exfoliating glove used in the hammam to remove dead skin. Browse our kessa gloves and spa essentials.
How do I use a kessa glove?
Wet your skin and the glove with warm water, apply black soap and leave it for a few minutes, then rub in circular motions and rinse thoroughly. Moisturize afterwards.
How do I care for a kessa glove?
Rinse it well after each use and let it air-dry completely before storing.
Is there a difference between the face and body gloves?
Yes. Face gloves are used with light pressure and in small circles, avoiding the eyes. Body gloves are for the body, and the back kessa helps reach your back.
Rhassoul clay and henna
What is rhassoul clay used for?
Rhassoul (ghassoul) clay is a mineral-rich Moroccan clay traditionally used as a mask for skin and as a cleansing treatment for hair. Find it in our henna and rhassoul collection.
How do I make a rhassoul clay mask?
Mix the powder with water or rose water in a non-metal bowl to a smooth paste, apply to clean skin avoiding the eyes and mouth, leave for 10-15 minutes, then rinse with warm water.
How do I use Moroccan henna on my hair?
Mix the henna powder with warm water to a smooth paste, apply it to your hair, leave it for the desired time and rinse thoroughly. Do a patch test first. Our henna for hair guide has full steps.
After your hammam
What should I do after a hammam ritual?
Rinse well, pat your skin dry and moisturize. A few drops of pure argan oil on slightly damp skin is a popular finish, and rose water can be used as a toner or mist.
Where can I buy hammam products, and do you offer wholesale?
You can shop on arganit.com and find our products on Amazon, Walmart, eBay, Etsy and Faire. We also offer wholesale for spas and hammams, so please contact us. More answers are on our main FAQ page.