CAIRO — In light of rising costs for almost everything in Egypt, including cosmetic and body care products, ancient bathhouses — “hammamat” in Arabic — have become the destination of women seeking beauty treatments. This trend is not only popular among residents in desirable neighborhoods, but also among women from the middle class, which is finding luxuries increasingly difficult to afford.

A mix of scents from natural, aromatic Egyptian herbs and water vapor fills the air of the simple reception hall of the Talat bathhouse, with its traditional walls and folkloric decorative items. More than a hundred women of all ages are lined up in a narrow alley in the Boulaq area of downtown Cairo, waiting to enter the hammam.

“At least 100 women visit the bathhouse every day, and the number doubles on holidays,” said Um Omran, who manages the facility in the mornings, the period reserved for women. “The women who come to the bathhouse are not only from the district. Women and girls from all walks of life come from far away areas of Cairo. Some of our clients are from other provinces but work in Cairo.”

Um Omran said that the prices and quality of the traditional services offered at the bathhouse are attractive to many women who want to pamper themselves at a low cost. She explained, “For 40 Egyptian pounds, the bathhouse offers all kinds of skin and body care services offered by beauty spas, such as saunas, steam rooms and bathing rituals. Fifteen pounds will be added if the client wants a natural facial and body mask or a henna drawing.”