A few things worth knowing before you book.
Saigon has a huge number of nail salons, from sweet little shops to studios devoted to nail art in every style you can think of.
That’s what makes getting your nails done here so much fun. You can choose a simple, understated set or try something elaborate, with techniques like ombre, chrome, cat-eye, hand-painted art or 3D decoration.
If it’s your first time having your nails done in Vietnam, though, and especially if you’re used to salons abroad, a few things might surprise you.
At Nailtopia, we get plenty of questions about how pricing works, how long nails take, extension techniques and what’s included in an appointment.
So here are a few things we think are worth knowing before you book.
1. Send us the nails you want before you come
You don’t need to know the exact name of every nail technique.
Just save pictures from Instagram, Pinterest, TikTok, Xiaohongshu or anywhere else you’ve found a set you love.
At Nailtopia, clients bring us all kinds of styles: from a delicate French tip to cat-eye, chrome and intricate 3D designs.
Our nail artists can create many of the designs popular on social media, and can suggest adjustments to suit your nail shape and your style.
One small tip: if you have lots of favourite designs, don’t rush to combine them all into one set.
Say you love the thumb from design A, the index finger from design B, and a few details from design C. Each nail might be gorgeous on its own, but put together, the colours and details won’t necessarily work in harmony.
When that happens, it’s best to talk with your nail artist and settle on a colour palette and layout for the design.
Sometimes, leaving out a few details makes a set look far more refined.
2. Gel polish and cuticle care may be priced separately
This is one of the things international clients often wonder about when having their nails done in Vietnam.
In some countries, a manicure is sold as a package that includes several steps, such as shaping the nails, caring for the skin around them and applying colour.
In Vietnam, however, many nail salons price each service separately.
For example, these may be charged separately:
- Gel polish on natural nails.
- Cuticle trimming and care for the skin around the nails.
- Removal of gel polish or old extensions.
- Nail extensions or nail strengthening.
- Nail art, stones, 3D decoration and special effects.
This means the price of gel polish isn’t necessarily the final cost of the set you want.
At Nailtopia, you can send us your reference pictures and describe the services you need beforehand, so the team can advise you and estimate the cost.
If you’re not sure which steps a service includes, just ask our staff before we start.
We always want you to understand clearly which service you’re choosing and roughly what it’s likely to cost.
3. Extension techniques in Vietnam may differ from those abroad
If you’ve had your nails done in Australia, the US, Korea or Europe, you may be used to one particular extension technique.
But not every country uses the same methods and products.
A technique that’s common where you live may not be one that’s widely used in Vietnam.
Even when the name of a service sounds similar, the method and materials can still differ.
So if you’re wearing extensions and want them filled, repaired or removed, let our staff know what type you have, if you can.
You can also send a picture of your current nails, but bear in mind that a photo alone may not show exactly what material is underneath.
Talking it through beforehand helps the salon consider the right service and avoid unnecessary misunderstandings.
4. How long do nails take?
The answer depends on your design and the services you choose.
A set of natural nails with simple gel polish follows a different process from long extensions with lots of hand-painted detail or 3D decoration.
And if you need old nails removed, a broken nail repaired or other services added, the time can change too.
At Nailtopia, we often meet clients with rather particular schedules.
Some only have an hour for lunch. Some are getting ready for a wedding or a party, or have an appointment straight after their nails. Some even need to head to the airport once their set is finished.
If that sounds like you, message Nailtopia beforehand.
Just send us your design, the services you’d like and the exact time you need to leave the salon.
The team will help you estimate how long it will take.
If a design is too complex for the time you have, our staff may suggest cutting back a few details or changing the technique, so your nails still look lovely and fit your schedule better.
Of course, timings are only estimates and can still change along the way. If you have a flight or an important event, it’s best to leave some extra time.
5. Can I have my manicure and pedicure at the same time?
This is another request we get quite often.
Especially from clients with busy schedules who still want both hands and feet finished in one visit.
At Nailtopia, we can help arrange for some hand and foot services to be done at the same time, depending on the appointment schedule and staffing at the branch.
You will need to tell us before you book, though.
This lets our reception team check how many staff are available and plan the right arrangement.
If you only ask once you’ve arrived, we may not be able to arrange it, as our technicians will be looking after other appointments.
So if you’re hoping to save time, don’t forget to tell reception right from the start.
6. Not every trending set will suit you
There’s one thing we always like to remind clients: a beautiful set doesn’t have to be the longest or the most detailed.
Small hands can look absolutely lovely with short nails and cute designs.
On the other hand, some people are especially suited to long, sharp nails and alluring, bold styles.
There’s no single formula for everyone.
As well as the shape of your hands, it’s worth considering your work and daily habits.
For example, if you type a lot, work with your hands or are often in contact with water, some long styles may not be as practical as short nails.
What matters most is choosing a set that’s both beautiful and right for you.
If you’re not sure, ask your nail artist. Sometimes simply changing the shape, the length or a few details makes the whole look very different.
7. What should I have ready when booking at Nailtopia?
To make advice and booking quicker, you can share a few details with us beforehand:
- The Nailtopia branch you’d like to visit.
- The date, time and number of guests.
- Whether you want hands, feet or both.
- Whether it’s on natural nails or you need extensions.
- Whether you need cuticle trimming, polish removal or old nails removed.
- Pictures of the design you’d like.
- Whether you’d like hands and feet done at the same time.
- The time you need to leave the salon, if you’re on a fixed schedule.
If you don’t know exactly which service to choose, that’s fine too.
Just send us your reference pictures and describe what you’re after. The Nailtopia team will help advise you on the options that suit you.
8. A nail appointment can be time to relax, too
Not everyone who comes to a nail salon is only thinking about the end result.
Some clients enjoy chatting with our staff. Some take the chance to rest after a day at work. And some international clients love learning about Vietnamese culture while they have their nails done.
At Nailtopia, our staff often chat with clients, sometimes teaching them a few Vietnamese phrases or ordering food together.
Little moments like these make a nail appointment feel more fun and more personal.
Whether you want a simple set or an elaborate design, we hope you feel comfortable throughout your appointment.
9. Visit Nailtopia while you’re in Saigon
Nailtopia currently has three branches in Ho Chi Minh City:
Trần Quang Diệu, District 3: Our first branch, with a cosy, welcoming space.
Đặng Dung, District 1: A spacious, gentle space, perfect for unhurried beauty appointments.
Tôn Thất Tùng, District 1: A friendly, warm space that also offers foot care and relaxing hair washes.
Whether you live in Saigon or are only visiting the city for a few days, we’d be so happy to welcome you.
A little preparation before you book makes it easier to choose your services, understand the costs and enjoy a comfortable nail appointment.
Already have a design you love? Send your pictures to Nailtopia for advice on the design, cost and timing before you book! 🩵
