Kessa Glove Guide: How to Exfoliate Like a Moroccan Hammam

A kessa is a handwoven exfoliating glove with a slightly rough, grippy texture. In the Moroccan hammam it always comes after beldi soap: the soap softens the skin, then the glove polishes it. Our Moroccan kessa glove is made for exactly this ritual and is reusable for many sessions.

Unlike a scrub, the kessa contains no grains. The texture of the weave does the work, which is why preparation matters so much: the glove only glides well over warm, damp, softened skin.

Never start with the glove. Spend 5 to 10 minutes in a warm, steamy bathroom, then apply a thin layer of black soap with argan over damp skin and leave it on for about 5 to 10 minutes before rinsing.

This step softens the surface of the skin so the kessa can lift it gently. If you are not sure which beldi soap suits you, read how to choose beldi soap, and for the full ritual from start to finish, follow our Moroccan hammam at home guide.

Once the soap is rinsed off, keep the skin damp and warm. Work methodically, one area at a time, and finish with a fresh splash of rose water.

1. Wet the glove: soak the kessa in warm water, squeeze out the excess and slip it on your dominant hand, fitting it snugly.
2. Start with the limbs: begin with an arm or a leg, where the skin is less delicate, so you can find the right pressure.
3. Use long, firm strokes: move the glove in long lines, two or three passes over each area. Do not rub back and forth in the same small spot.
4. Rinse the glove as you go: dip it in warm water between areas to keep it clean and gliding smoothly.
5. Move on to the body: work over the back (or ask someone to help), the stomach and the sides with lighter pressure.
6. Rinse your skin: wash everything away with lukewarm water, then pat dry with a soft towel.
7. Refresh and moisturise: mist rose water on your face and neck and apply your usual moisturiser while the skin is still slightly damp.

The right pressure is firm but never painful. Your skin may turn slightly pink, and that pinkness should fade within a short while. If it stings, burns or stays red, you are pressing too hard or the skin was not prepared enough.

Long strokes in one direction feel more comfortable than circles and are easier to control. Go lighter on thin-skinned areas such as the inner arms, the chest, the neck and the backs of the knees, and skip any spot that feels tender.

Once a week is a common rhythm for normal skin. If your skin is sensitive or dry, especially in winter, every two weeks with lighter pressure is often more comfortable. Exfoliating more often does not bring better results and can leave the skin feeling sensitised.

On the weeks you skip the kessa, a gentle scrub such as the body scrub with aker fassi and turmeric is a softer way to keep the skin feeling smooth. For cold-season tips, see dry skin in winter.

Shop the kessa glove and pair it with your favourite beldi soap.

• Exfoliating dry skin: without steam and beldi soap, the glove drags instead of gliding.
• Pressing too hard: more force does not mean smoother skin. Firm and steady is enough.
• Rubbing in circles on one spot: long, single-direction strokes are kinder to the skin.
• Using it every day: the skin needs time between sessions.
• Using it with other exfoliants: avoid scrubs or exfoliating acids on the same day.

After each use, rinse the kessa thoroughly under warm water, then wash it with a little soap and rinse again. Squeeze it gently, without twisting, and hang it to dry in the open air, away from the steamy shower. Never leave it damp in a closed drawer or a wash bag.

Replace the glove when the weave feels flattened or loose, when it no longer grips the skin, or if it keeps a smell after washing. For hygiene, keep one glove per person and do not share it.

A kessa also makes a lovely gift alongside beldi soap and rose water: see our gift sets, read how to build a hammam gift box, or browse the whole Hammam Ritual category. Every order is dispatched within 1 working day and shipped worldwide with FedEx International Priority, with a tracking number (shipping details).