HCMC - Veggie Hot Toc Ear Cleaning
Date & Time of Session: Jan 2023
Location: Salon Ngan Ha - Ho Chi Minh City - District 1
Name: Miyu
Link: https://goo.gl/maps/WDwJN55f3Rd1tXF97
Nationality: Indo
Language: EN/Mandarin
Age: Early 40s
Face: Not really relevant but 3/5
Body: Not really relevant but 3/5
Skill: 3/5 (Ear cleaning 5/5, massage 2/5)
Price: VND850k + 100k tip (100min)
Was in HCMC before Chinese New Year. Wasn't really in the meet for a punt, but was intrigued by this "male pampering" concept. It seems like these barber shops ("hot tocs") have the culture of being "male pampering" destinations, including hair cuts, wet shave, massage, mani/pedi, ear cleaning etc. Some are also known for "extra services" (especially BJs based on a brief online read). I was mainly intrigued by the ear cleaning service, as I could feel that my ears were quite clogged up, so did a brief online scan of which places would be best. I ended up picking a veggie only, and a relatively expensive choice in District 1, mainly because I wanted a reputable place that had true technicians focused on ear cleaning. Last thing I wanted was a BJ expert digging into my ear and blowing my ear drum too.
Ended up at Ngan Ha in the city center, and asked for the 100min ear cleaning package. The downstairs looks like your normal hair salon, but they then bring you upstairs where there are rooms and massage tables. They call in a service provide from their other nearby branch and she comes in. She says she is an ear cleaning expert and suggests we start with that part. She lies me down, with her series of tools, and a light shining into my ear canal. I feel a bit like a patient on an operating table, and actually it feels quite comforting that she knows what she is doing and has the right tools set. She takes one look and knows this is going to be a big job, and asks whether its OK to spend more time on the ears and less on the massage, which I am totally OK with. A lot of tweezing, brushing, cajoling later, a lot of ear wax is out, and my ears feel sensitive but not painful, and much cleaner. She shows me all the stuff that she pulled out.
Afterwards, she gives me a brief and mediocre massage. At the end of time, she asks for a tip, and I give one happily and walk out refreshed.
Thought this was a unique experience to share, for any bros who might be interested. As far as hot tocs go, this one is way overpriced. So if you're just going for a hair washing and massage, and you don't mind going farther (and aren't worried about safety), there are much cheaper options out there (around VND ~250-300k from my online scan), but honestly I was find with the foreigner premium, and convenience.
I have a picture of all the gunk, but I assume most people here don't want to see that haha | |
