Herbal hair wash Ho Chi Minh City: what a session at Tong Gia feels like

Tong Gia team · Lương Y Tống Văn Huynh · 2026-10-28

A herbal hair wash in Ho Chi Minh City at Tong Gia is the 45-minute Vietnamese herbal head spa for 150,000 VND (about $6), or 250,000 VND (about $10) for 60 minutes with neck and shoulder massage added. You can book it at 225 Duong Thi Muoi Street, District 12 (8:00 to 20:00 daily) or at Unit T16-21, The Manhattan, Vinhomes Grand Park, Thu Duc City (9:00 to 20:00 daily).

In Vietnamese this is gội đầu, and the herbal version is slow on purpose. This guide walks through the wash one step at a time, with what each step feels like on your scalp, and what to do with your hair before and after.

Getting your hair ready

The short answer is: do very little.

• Do not wash your hair beforehand. The wash is the service, so there is no point in doing it twice.
• Skip heavy styling products if you can. Gel, spray or a lot of oil are simply more to rinse out, and the time is better spent on massage.
• Take out clips, pins and tight braids before you lie down, so the fingertips can reach the whole scalp.
• Bring a hair tie if your hair is long; it helps on the way home.

When you message WhatsApp or Zalo on +84 888 264 559 to book, mention anything the technician should know: a sensitive or easily irritated scalp, freshly coloured hair, or very long hair. If you have a scalp condition or a recent head or neck injury, see a licensed physician before booking and tell the technician when you arrive.

The wash, step by step

1. Settling in. You lie on your back on a bed, with your head resting over the wash basin. Unlike a salon chair, nothing is holding your neck at an angle, and the first thing most people feel is the weight of their head being taken off them.

2. A quick look. Before the water goes on, the technician notices how you hold your neck and shoulders and how tired your face looks. This comes from the face-reading practice of the founder, Lương Y Tống Văn Huynh, a traditional Vietnamese wellness master with more than 13 years in the craft. It decides where a little extra time goes; it is not a health check.

3. Scalp pressure. This is the step in the photo: fingertips pressing into the scalp while the other hand holds the head steady. The pressure is firm but rounded, more like being kneaded than scratched. If any spot feels sharp, say so and the technician will ease off.

4. Both sides of the head. The hands then work both sides of the head together in an even rhythm. Many guests find this is where their breathing slows down.

5. Warm water and herbs. Your hair is washed and rinsed with warm water and herbs. The water runs back from the hairline over the scalp, and you will be asked whether the temperature is right. “Warmer” or “cooler” is all you need to say.

6. Massage between rinses. The wash is not one long rinse. The technician goes back to the scalp, temples and the base of the skull between rinses, so the session moves back and forth between warmth and pressure.

7. Neck and shoulders (60-minute version). If you booked the longer option, kneading moves down the neck and across the tops of the shoulders after the wash.

Speaking up during the wash

You do not need to be polite and quiet. The technician will check pressure and water temperature with you anyway, but a few words help:

• “Lighter” or “softer” if the scalp is tender.
• “Stronger” if you would like firmer pressure.
• A raised hand if anything feels uncomfortable, including water near your ears.

After the wash

Your hair will feel lighter and very clean. Leave it loose or tie it back gently, give your scalp the rest of the day without heavy products, and drink some water. Sit up slowly at the end; after lying back for most of an hour, it takes a moment to feel steady.

Choosing the length

• Vietnamese herbal head spa, 45 min: 150,000 VND (about $6). Steps 1 to 6.
• Head spa + neck and shoulder massage, 60 min: 250,000 VND (about $10). All seven steps.
• Head care session, 60 min: 750,000 VND (about $29). A slower, more detailed hour of acupoint work kept entirely on the head.

More detail is on the Vietnamese head spa page, and every retail price is on the prices page. Find the branches on Google Maps: District 12 or Vinhomes Grand Park.

FAQ

Should I wash my hair before a herbal hair wash? No. Come with your hair as it is; it is washed during the session.

Is the herbal hair wash safe for coloured hair? Mention freshly coloured hair when you book and again before the wash starts, so the technician can handle it accordingly. If you are unsure, ask the salon that coloured it how long to wait.

Does the scalp massage hurt? It should feel firm and rounded, not sharp. Ask for lighter pressure at any time.

How long does the whole wash take? The standard herbal head spa takes 45 minutes. With neck and shoulder massage added, plan for 60 minutes.

This is a wellness service, not medical care.