The Turkish foam massage, explained
An improbable amount of soap lather, poured over you by hand. It looks like a gimmick in photographs; it is simply how you get washed.
The foam wash is the soaping stage of a Turkish hamam: soap is worked into a thick lather in a cloth and poured over you in handfuls, and the attendant washes you through it before rinsing with warm water from the basins. It is a wash with massage in it, not a deep-tissue treatment, and it comes straight after the kese scrub. It is included in the price of every programme on this site.
How the foam is made
Not from a machine. A cloth bag — a torba — is dipped in soapy water and swung and squeezed until it fills with air and lather, and then the lather is shaken out over you. A good attendant produces an amount that seems physically implausible.
The soap is traditionally olive-based, which is why the foam is soft and slightly slippery rather than squeaky.
What the attendant actually does
Washes you. The hands work through the foam over your back, shoulders, arms and legs with a broad, pressing, sliding motion — it is closer to being thoroughly washed than to being massaged, and it is meant to be.
It follows the kese for a reason: the scrub has just taken a layer off, and the foam wash is what cleans and soothes what is underneath.
Foam wash or oil massage — what is the difference?
Both are in the price on this site. What is not in the price is a longer or upgraded massage, which the hamam offers on the day — the treatments page sets out what exists.
| Foam wash | Oil and aroma massage | |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Washing and soothing after the scrub | Relaxation at the end of the ritual |
| Where | On the heated marble, in the hot room | Usually in a quieter, cooler room |
| Pressure | Broad and light to moderate | Moderate, and adjustable |
| Included | Yes, in every programme here | Yes, in every programme here |
| Upgrades | Not usually sold separately | Longer and different styles sold at the hamam |
Practical things nobody mentions
- Keep your eyes closed when the foam goes over your head — it is soap
- Long hair is easier tied up until the rinse
- You will not be able to hear very well for a minute or two; this is normal
- The marble is slippery under foam — let the attendant steer you when you get up
Ready to book?
Four regions, transfer included, nothing charged online.
Reserve your session