MERCI – Nails, Hair & Cafe in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

MERCI – Nails, Hair & Cafe is an active beauty salon at 17/6 Le Thanh Ton in central Ho Chi Minh City, combining waterless nail care with hair services, waxing and a café-style drinks and snacks concept. Its current website continues to publish booking forms, service menus and the District 1 address, while a 2026 Japanese-language city guide lists the same salon and contact information. MERCI suits visitors who want nails as the main appointment but also value the option to add hair styling or waxing without changing venues. The main practical uncertainty is closing time: the operator site generally shows Tuesday through Sunday until 20:00, while a recent 2026 guide lists service until 21:00.

The salon is in the Le Thanh Ton area of central District 1, near hotels, restaurants and the Japanese quarter. The exact address is 17/6 Le Thanh Ton, which indicates a smaller lane location rather than a broad street-front shop. Using the full address in a ride-hailing app is sensible for first-time visitors. The operator’s current contact page lists the same District 1 branch, phone number and booking options.

Nail care is the defining service. MERCI describes itself as a waterless nail salon and publishes manicure and pedicure options that use masks, cuticle care, massage and different polish systems. Waterless care is part of the salon’s brand identity rather than something every traveler must prefer. Guests should choose the service based on comfort, desired finish and time available.

The current nail menu is detailed. It includes basic and more elaborate manicure or pedicure packages, polish choices, Shellac or gel-style finishes, foot therapy, extensions, nail art and massage add-ons. Children’s nail services are also listed. Because custom art can vary by complexity, the operator advises that detailed pricing may be given on request. Bringing a reference image is useful.

Hygiene is heavily emphasized by MERCI. The operator says some tools are single-use and others are sterilized in an autoclave between clients. This is an operator statement, not an independent inspection result, but it is useful because it tells visitors what sanitation standard the business says it follows. Anyone with concerns can ask staff to explain the process before the service begins.

Hair is a substantial secondary service rather than a token add-on. The current site lists shampoo and blow-dry, cuts, styling, color, highlights, balayage or ombré, perms, straightening, keratin smoothing and hair masks. These services can take far longer than a nail appointment, so guests combining hair and nails should book enough time and confirm whether technicians can work simultaneously.

Waxing is also available for men and women. The operator publishes multiple body areas and a current price table. Visitors should tell staff about skin sensitivity, recent sun exposure or products that could increase irritation, and should not assume a waxing appointment is appropriate immediately after certain skincare or cosmetic treatments.

The café element makes MERCI different from a conventional salon. The website advertises cocktails, juices, smoothies and food or snacks that can accompany beauty services. That may be appealing for groups or longer appointments, but availability can change. Visitors who care about a specific drink or food item should not assume every website example is always in stock.

Opening information is slightly inconsistent. The current site repeatedly states Tuesday through Sunday from 09:00 to 20:00, with another duplicated line showing 09:30-20:00. A Japanese expat guide updated in August 2026 instead lists 09:00-21:00 and Monday closed. The safest visitor schedule is Tuesday-Sunday with daytime or early-evening appointments; anyone booking after 20:00 should confirm directly.

Tripadvisor currently shows the same address and includes a January 2025 visitor report describing a walk-in pedicure with a short wait. That is anecdotal and not current enough to predict 2026 waiting times, but it supports the continuing nail-salon identity. Appointments are still preferable for elaborate nails, hair work or multiple guests.

A simple manicure may take under an hour, while extensions, detailed art, hair color or several combined services can require two or three hours or more. The current booking form lets guests specify separate nail, hair, massage and waxing choices, which is helpful for estimating the appointment in advance. For travelers combining several services, confirming the total appointment length in advance also helps prevent a nail or hair booking from unexpectedly occupying most of an afternoon or evening.

Accessibility is not clearly documented. Because the salon is at a lane address, guests who need step-free entry should contact MERCI and ask about the route from Le Thanh Ton to the service area and restroom.

MERCI is a strong ready record because the current operator site still contains live booking forms, detailed service menus and branch contact information. Use 17/6 Le Thanh Ton, avoid Monday unless the salon confirms a special opening and clarify the exact closing time for late appointments. Its strongest appeal is the ability to combine waterless nail care, hair, waxing and café-style refreshments in one central appointment.