What happens during a hammam session?

In short:

1. A hammam session lasts 1.5 to 2 hours and alternates steam, black soap, scrub and rest.
2. The steam is heated to 40-50 °C with humidity close to 100%.
3. In Paris, entry costs 30 to 60 euros, 60 to 90 euros with a scrub.
4. The hammam is not recommended during pregnancy or for people with heart conditions.

The steps of a hammam session

A hammam session follows a ritual inherited from the baths of North Africa and the Ottoman Empire. Each step prepares the next: heat opens the pores, black soap softens the skin and the scrub removes dead cells.

1. The shower: a warm rinse before going in.
2. The steam: 15 to 20 minutes in the hot room, stepping out if the heat becomes uncomfortable.
3. The black soap: applied all over the body and left on for 5 to 10 minutes.
4. The scrub: with a kessa glove, done alone or by a therapist.
5. The rest: in the relaxation room, with mint tea.

How long to allow and at what price?

Allow at least 1.5 hours to enjoy the ritual without rushing. Many Paris venues offer packages combining several treatments.

To learn more about the key treatment of the ritual, the article on black soap scrub benefits explains how it works on the skin.

Precautions before a first session

Moist heat puts strain on the cardiovascular system. The hammam is not recommended for pregnant women or people with high blood pressure or heart failure, and medical advice is best sought if in doubt.

Drinking water before, during and after the session reduces fatigue. It is best to avoid going straight after a heavy meal or a recent waxing.

To find out whether a hammam suits your expectations better than a full spa, the hammam vs spa comparison sums up the differences, and the guide on how to choose a spa in Paris helps sort through the addresses.

Frequently asked questions