Hammam Preparation: What You Need to Know Before Your Dubai Spa Session

When you think of a hammam, a traditional steam bath rooted in North African and Middle Eastern culture, often used for deep cleansing and relaxation. Also known as Moroccan bath, it's not just a steam room—it's a full-body ritual that combines heat, scrubbing, and hydration to leave your skin glowing and your mind calm. In Dubai, where luxury meets tradition, the hammam experience has become a staple for locals and visitors alike looking to reset after long days in the heat. But showing up unprepared can turn a relaxing session into a confusing one.

Preparing for a Moroccan hammam, a specific type of hammam that uses black soap, argan oil, and a kessa glove for exfoliation isn’t about fancy outfits or expensive products. It’s about timing, hygiene, and knowing what happens next. Most places in Dubai will give you a towel and slippers, but bringing your own soap or body scrub can make a difference—especially if you have sensitive skin. The steam opens your pores, the black soap softens dead skin, and the scrub removes it all. If you’ve never had a steam room, an enclosed space heated to 40–50°C to induce sweating and detoxification before, don’t expect to sit there reading a book. You’ll be moving, scrubbing, rinsing, and resting in cycles. It’s physical, not passive.

People often skip the prep because they think it’s just a hot room. But skipping steps like drinking water beforehand, avoiding heavy meals, or not removing makeup can ruin the experience—or worse, cause dizziness or skin irritation. A good hammam session should leave you lighter, not drained. That’s why many Dubai spas now offer pre-hammam consultations: they check if you’re on blood pressure meds, have open wounds, or are pregnant. These aren’t just rules—they’re safety checks. And if you’re worried about modesty, don’t be. Most places use private rooms, full draping, and gender-specific sessions. You’re not on display—you’re in care.

What you’ll find in the posts below isn’t just a list of places to go. It’s a collection of real stories from people who’ve done it—the good, the awkward, the amazing. You’ll learn what to wear, when to go, how long to stay, and why some people swear by doing it before bed. You’ll also see why skipping the scrub isn’t an option, and why bringing your own loofah might be smarter than using the spa’s. This isn’t a spa tour. It’s a guide to doing it right—so you walk out feeling like you’ve shed more than just dead skin.