Before you even enter a public hammam you’ll need to do a bit of shopping. Hammams are a BYO-soap affair, and most of the essentials can be picked up in the little corner shops around the old medinas in every major city. Many items are sold in single-use packs, though I recommend buying in bulk whenever possible to cut down on plastic packaging. I’ve put together here a full checklist of what you’ll need to follow my authentic and full hammam experience:

• a plastic bucket, or a wood one if you happen to shop in the Fez medina. Many hammams will provide buckets.
• a cup (traditionally this would be brass, but any cup or bowl will do)
• a small mat to sit and lay on
• a towel – or two if you will need an extra one for your hair
• a kees (scrubbing glove used to exfoliate)
• beldi soap (an olive-based, slightly gloopy, black soap)
• ghassoul (unique volcanic clay from the Middle Atlas) – generally sold as chunky bits or dry powder
• shampoo/conditioner, shower gel or soap bar (basically anything you would use in the shower or bath at home)
• pumice, foot scrubs, comb/brush
• rose water spray
• something to cover your lower half (bathing suit or underwear, though keep in mind they might get stained if you’re going to have ghassoul or henna applied, or might get stretched out because of the steam. I generally just have an old pair of underwear just for the occasion!)
• flip-flops or waterproof sandals to wear inside the hammam
• a clean change of clothes (and clean underwear – easily forgotten!)
• money and small change for the entrance fee, exfoliation and massage
• an orange! (check out my Hammam Insider Tips post to learn why)

In the end, whatever way you want to do it is fine. As long as you keep yourself covered around the genitals (particularly the guys) you won’t offend anyone. Don’t be shy! Dive in, get warmed up, scrub off a layer of skin, and maybe even make a new friend.

About the Author

Amina Lahbabi is a proud Moroccan, feminist, mother, climate change activist, and promoter of education, equal rights and freedom of expression. She is at the forefront of all of Journey Beyond Travel’s NGO initiatives. She loves art, freedom of expression, and is an accomplished photographer in her own right. She holds multiple graduate degrees in translation and communication and was a Fulbright Scholar at Michigan State University. She also loves a good hammam. She lives in Tangier. You can check out her Wikipedia.