Last-Minute Makeup Artist in Ho Chi Minh City
You landed in Ho Chi Minh City for a few days. Then the dinner became a gala, the meeting became a photo session, or a friend's wedding invitation turned out to mean a full evening reception. Now you need hair and makeup, and you need it this week.
That is normal here. Most of the international guests we work with do not book months ahead. They message us two, three, sometimes zero days before. This guide explains how a short-notice booking works in Ho Chi Minh City, what to send in your first message so it gets confirmed fast, and what it costs.
What last minute looks like in practice
| When you message | What usually happens |
|---|---|
| 3 days or more before | Plenty of room. Time and place confirmed the same day you send details. |
| 1 to 2 days before | Usually possible. Morning and late-afternoon slots go first. |
| The same day | Possible if a slot is open. Kay confirms by message before you pay anything. |
Peak dates fill faster. From late November to the end of January, wedding season and year-end parties overlap, and Saturday afternoons go early. If your event falls in that window, message as soon as you know the date, even if the details are not final.
What to send in your first message
The fastest bookings are the ones where the first message already answers the questions we would ask. Send these five things:
- The time you need to be ready, not the time of the event. We work backwards from it.
- Where you are staying: hotel or apartment name, district, and room number if you have it.
- How many people need makeup and hair.
- The occasion and the look: gala, wedding guest, business headshot, family photos, birthday dinner. A screenshot of a look you like helps.
- A photo of your outfit, if you have it. Neckline and colour decide a lot.
You can copy this:
Hi Kay, I am in Ho Chi Minh City until [date]. I need makeup and hair for [occasion] on [date], ready by [time]. I am staying at [hotel, district]. [Number] people. Outfit photo attached. Is this possible?
What it costs
Every price is published on our pricing page. Hair is always included with makeup and is not sold on its own. Travel anywhere inside Ho Chi Minh City is already in the price.
| Service | Price (VND) |
|---|---|
| Full Glam: makeup and hair for an event, dinner or party (90 to 120 minutes) | from 1,800,000 |
| Each additional person in the same session | from 1,800,000 |
| Makeup and hair for men | 1,200,000 |
| Business headshot or portrait, one person (45 to 60 minutes) | 1,500,000 |
| Team booking, half day (up to 4 hours, up to 8 people) | 4,500,000 |
| Team booking, full day (up to 8 hours, up to 18 people) | 7,500,000 |
If the timing is very tight, for example several people to finish before a set call time, Kay confirms the final price with you before you transfer anything. Outside the city (Vung Tau, Ho Tram, Phan Thiet) we quote one total for travel and stay before you confirm, with nothing added later.
How it works at your hotel
We come to you. Hotel rooms and serviced apartments in District 1, District 3, Thao Dien and District 7 are where most of our short-notice work happens.
What we need is simple: a chair, a table or desk near a window or a good lamp, and a power socket. We bring everything else, including lighting. Plan for 90 to 120 minutes per person for a full event look, and 45 to 60 minutes for a camera-ready headshot. For groups, we plan the order so the person with the earliest departure goes first.
Early starts are possible. For a sunrise photo session or a morning ceremony we can arrive from 5am when the booking is confirmed ahead.
The occasions people book us for at short notice
- Gala dinners and awards nights. Hotel ballrooms in District 1 run most of the city's formal dinners. See our events page.
- Attending a wedding as a guest. Vietnamese receptions are long and photographed from every angle. See wedding guest hair and makeup.
- Headshots before a conference or a new role. A natural, camera-ready look that does not shine under flash. See headshots.
- Company year-end parties. From December, teams book for the MC, speakers and performers. See year-end party makeup.
- Family photos, birthdays and anniversary dinners while you are in town.
Five things that help on short notice
- Come with clean, dry hair. It saves time and holds a style longer in the humidity.
- Skip a new facial or a new skincare product the day before. Your skin should be calm, not reacting.
- Moisturise in the morning, then leave the rest to us.
- Tell us about allergies or sensitive skin in your first message.
- Keep 15 minutes spare before you leave. Getting dressed always takes longer than planned.
Payment and paperwork
You can pay in cash or by bank transfer in VND. A deposit of 30% holds the date and the balance is paid on the day; for same-day bookings Kay confirms the terms in writing before you transfer anything.
You receive a booking confirmation in English with the date, time, address and price, reissued and marked as paid once payment is complete. Kay works as an independent artist rather than a registered company, so there is no VAT invoice and no receipt. If your company needs paperwork for reimbursement, tell us before you book so you can check it is enough.
Frequently asked questions
Do you speak English? Yes. Booking, confirmation and the session itself are all in English.
Can you come to Thu Duc, District 2 or District 7? Yes. Anywhere inside Ho Chi Minh City is included in the price.
Can you do makeup for men? Yes. Makeup and hair for men covers skin, brows, hair and shine control, mostly for headshots, events and team bookings.
Is hair really included? Yes. Every makeup booking includes hair styling. We do not sell hair on its own.
What if my plans change? Message us as soon as you know. Moving a time on the same day is usually easier than you think.
Book this week
Message us on WhatsApp from any of our English pages, or send the form on the pricing page with your date, time and hotel. Kay replies in English and confirms the slot, the price and the address in one message.
Want a look like this for your event? Tell Kay the date and the occasion. She replies within the day.
Message Kay on WhatsApp