Are HCM’s Viral Studios Worth the Hype? 🤨
1. Hair
📍Address: Haeu Studio
Rating /⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
💰 Price: 1,760,000 VND (incl a 20% discount from Mon - Thu) = ~$86
- The space was exceptionally clean, and the staff maintained a high level of professionalism throughout.
- The service package included a thorough before-and-after scalp analysis, a relaxing blow-dry, a facial, and a soothing massage etc.
- Even on the second day, my hair still feels incredibly healthy and well-nourished.
📍Address: Behind the chair hair studio
Rating /⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐: ⭐️⭐️
💰 Price: 3,900,000 VND = ~ $191
- The place was aesthetically pleasing and very clean, with minimal waiting time. The staff began with a consultation and were transparent about the pricing, which I appreciated.
- However, I did experience some pressure during the consultation. Due to a language barrier, most of our communication was done through Google Translate. They spent nearly 30 minutes trying to persuade me to switch from a keratin treatment to lightening and dyeing my hair. Additionally, because of my hair length, I was charged an XL length fee.
- I eventually agreed to the change, but during the treatment, my discomfort must have been noticeable—staff checked in with me at least 20 times to ask if I was okay which became a bit overwhelming.
- I had specifically requested a low-maintenance hairstyle too, but was given a heavily layered cut and advised to blow-dry it daily. It seems our definitions of “low maintenance” were quite different.
2. Nails
📍Address: Lisa Nail & Spa (District 1 outlet)
Rating /⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐: ⭐️⭐️
💰 Price: 1,050,000 VND = ~$52
- The wait wasn’t long—I was quickly shown to my seat and offered a complimentary mini coconut, which was a nice touch to help us cool down.
- However, the service from the pedicurist was disappointing. I tried asking about the pricing, but she simply shook her head without offering any explanation. After applying the color to one toe, she didn’t check if I was happy with it before continuing with the rest.
- At the payment counter, I was also initially overcharged. It was only after I pointed it out that they realized the mistake and corrected it.
- The pricing was also higher than I expected. It ended up being comparable to what I usually pay at my regular home-based nail studio in Singapore—but with better service there.
3. Facial
📍Address: Facial Bar
Rating /⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
💰 Price: 980,000 VND = ~ $48
- The experience began with a detailed skin analysis, which highlighted my skin concerns, offered future skin predictions, and even provided a downloadable report for reference. The facial therapist took the time to walk me through the results and recommended a treatment tailored to my specific needs.
- The entire facial session was soothing and comfortable, and I appreciated the professionalism throughout. They even offered a small discount on the two treatments I selected, which was a pleasant surprise.
- The only downside was that the package did not include any extraction, which would have made the treatment feel more complete.
4. Eyelash
📍Address: Chemi.beaute
Rating /⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
💰 Price: 330,000 VND = ~$16
- When I first arrived, I had second thoughts—the place looked a bit rundown, and I was initially concerned about the hygiene standards.
- Still, I decided to take a leap of faith since it came recommended by a fairly well-known influencer.
- The entire session took about an hour, and considering the price I paid, I’m quite satisfied with the results. That said, don’t expect a true 1:1 eyelash extension—on closer look, the lashes were spaced out and not as full as I had hoped.
5. Massage
📍Address: Brelax Therapy Spa
Rating /⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐: ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
💰 Price: 1,300,000 VND = ~$64
- The entire place had a warm, cozy, and inviting atmosphere. We were welcomed with a cup of tea and then guided to our treatment room, which was a lovely start to the experience.
- My treatment included a body scrub and massage, starting with the scrub. Unfortunately, the scrub experience was a bit uncomfortable. After scrubbing certain areas, they would pour water directly over me before continuing with the rest—meanwhile, the air-conditioning remained on the whole time. I was literally shivering through most of it, which made the session feel more like a challenge than a treat.
- The massage that followed was much better. The therapist had good technique, although it felt a little rushed—likely because it was close to their closing time. That said, I really appreciated their use of hot stones, which helped my muscles relax even more. They also focused more on the shoulder blades, where tension typically builds up, which was a thoughtful and effective touch.
Beyond the initial impressions shared in the main review, I’d also like to delve deeper into what makes these beauty studios unique and what you should keep in mind when visiting them. Starting with Haeu Salon, their 18-step scalp treatment is truly impressive and stands out compared to other salons I’ve tried. The process combines machine-assisted treatments with manual care such as shoulder massages, scalp exfoliation, and targeted serum application, providing a comprehensive approach to scalp health. Personally, I found the post-treatment nourishment in my hair lasted over several days, which is rare for me. However, the price point means this experience might be considered a luxury rather than an everyday visit. When it comes to Chenmi.beaute, the eyelash treatment offers an affordable option, but it’s important to manage your expectations regarding volume and fullness, as the lashes are spaced rather than dense. For those looking for a natural enhancement without breaking the bank, it’s a practical choice; just don’t expect dramatic effects akin to high-end studios. Lisa Nail & Spa provides a welcoming atmosphere with small touches like complimentary refreshments, but service quality may vary. I noticed communication gaps and less personalized attention during my visit. Comparing it to smaller, home-based nail studios in Singapore, the price is higher relative to the experience. So if you seek superior customer care, it might be worth exploring other nail salons in Ho Chi Minh. For facials at Facial Bar, the detailed skin analysis and personalized recommendations add significant value. The downloadable report was especially helpful for tracking skin concerns over time. However, the lack of extraction in packages means those prone to blackheads or congestion may want to request it separately for a more thorough treatment. Finally, Brelax Therapy Spa delivers a cozy ambience and professional massage techniques, enhanced by hot stone therapy and a focus on tension areas like shoulder blades. Nonetheless, timing your appointment earlier in the day can prevent rushed sessions close to closing hours. Also, be prepared for some discomfort during the scrub if the room temperature isn’t adjusted. Overall, these studios reflect the growing beauty scene in HCM with a range of services and price options. If you prioritize professionalism and detailed treatments, Haeu Salon and Facial Bar are solid picks. For more affordable, quick beautification, Chenmi.beaute and Lisa Nail have their merits but demand realistic expectations. And for relaxation enthusiasts, Brelax Therapy Spa provides a nice retreat, albeit with some room for improvement on comfort. Visiting these places with knowledge of their strengths and limitations helped me enjoy the experiences more and avoid disappointments. Planning your appointments during less busy times, clarifying service details beforehand, and aligning expectations with your budget and goals can ensure a rewarding visit to Ho Chi Minh’s viral beauty studios.
