Kessa Glove: How to Use a Moroccan Exfoliating Glove at Home (Hammam Style)
By Online African Shop Team · Updated October 2026 · 6 min read
If you've ever had a scrub at a Moroccan hammam, you know the feeling: rolls of dead skin coming off and the softest skin of your life. The secret tool is the kessa glove, and you can get the same results in your own shower.
What is a kessa glove?
A kessa (or kese) glove is a coarse exfoliating mitt traditionally made from viscose fibers, used in Moroccan and Turkish bath houses. Paired with steam and black soap, it lifts away the top layer of dead skin cells.
How to use a kessa glove
- Steam first: take a hot shower or bath for 10 to 15 minutes. Soft skin is the key to a good scrub.
- Optional: apply a soft black soap or gentle soap, leave 5 minutes, then rinse.
- Wet the glove and wring it out.
- Scrub in long, firm strokes, one direction, on arms, legs, back and torso. Skip your face.
- Rinse away the dead skin.
- Moisturize right away with raw shea butter or whipped shea butter.
How often should you exfoliate?
Once a week for most people; every 10 to 14 days for sensitive skin. On melanin-rich skin, over-scrubbing can cause irritation that leaves dark marks, so less is more.
Kessa glove vs African net sponge
| Kessa glove | African net sponge | |
|---|---|---|
| Exfoliation | Deep, weekly treatment | Everyday, lighter |
| Reaches your back? | With help | Yes, it's extra long |
| Best for | Rough patches, before a tan or event | Daily showers |
Many people use both: the African net sponge daily and the kessa glove weekly.
Who should skip it
- Active eczema, psoriasis flares or sunburn
- Freshly shaved or waxed skin (wait 48 hours)
- Open cuts or acne cysts
Shop the scrub ritual
Raw Black Soap Paste
Raw African Shea ButterFAQ
Does a kessa glove help ingrown hairs?
Regular gentle exfoliation can help prevent ingrown hairs by freeing trapped hairs. Don't scrub an inflamed bump.
How do I clean my kessa glove?
Rinse well after each use, hang to dry, and wash it in warm soapy water weekly. Replace every few months.
Can I use it on my face?
No. Facial skin is too delicate for a kessa glove.
This article is for general information and isn't medical advice.