Your first Turkish bath: the hammam step by step
What to bring, what happens inside, does the kese hurt? Everything about a first hammam, in order.
Most guests on their first hammam visit ask the same thing: “I don’t know what to do, will it be awkward?” It won’t. The hammam has an order and your attendant is with you at every step. Here is how it works with us.
What should you bring?
Almost nothing. We provide the peştamal, towels, slippers, kese and soap. You only need:
- Comfortable clothes for afterwards
- Your own hair care if you prefer (we have a sulphate-free shampoo)
- A change of underwear if you like
What is the order inside?
- Warm-up (10–15 min): You lie on the marble platform in your peştamal. The marble is hot but does not burn. Once you start to sweat, the skin is ready for the kese.
- Kese (10–15 min): Your attendant wets you with warm water and runs the kese along your arms, legs, back and stomach in long strokes. You can ask for lighter or firmer pressure; it should not hurt.
- Foam (10 min): Olive-oil soap is whipped into foam in a cloth bag and poured over you, followed by a light foam massage.
- Rinse: Warm water from the basin, poured with a bowl. The 60-minute option adds a clay mask for hair and face.
- Rest: Afterwards we suggest cooling down for 10–15 minutes with sherbet or herbal tea.
Things to keep in mind
- Avoid a heavy meal before the hammam; leave at least an hour after eating.
- Have waxing done at least 24 hours before. We do not use the kese on freshly waxed skin.
- The kese is not used on sunburn or open wounds.
- If you are pregnant or have a blood-pressure or heart condition, ask your doctor first and tell us when you book.
How often?
Because the kese removes the top layer of skin, once or twice a month is enough. If you want heat and foam in between, the thermal circuit is a good option.
