First impressions: Clean white walls, big windows and a concrete floor make the space look like an art gallery, which it was in a previous life. Owner , a fashion/style/art entrepreneur who is always at work on her next project, said she and her mother had been planning to open a nail salon and when they found this storefront in the Berkeley neighborhood, they knew it was a good fit. The salon has been open a little more than a month, and Wills says she loves the neighborhood. Supporting local artists is a mission with Wills, and for the salon’s debut, she’s featuring photographs as well as ink-and-pencil on wood pieces from , along with fashion from .
The treatment: All-natural nails are the concept at Base Coat, which Wills believes is best for her nail technicians as well as the customers. Manicurists use lotions, scrubs and oils from Denver-based The salon’s nail polishes — from by such companies as , are free of such chemicals as formaldehyde, formaldehyde resin, toulene, dibutyl phthalate and camphor.
The service was: Soothing and beautifying. A morning manicure, $28, with Carly started with an aromatherapy soak; nail trim, shape and cuticle care; a nice hand and arm massage and a couple of coats of RGB’s cobalt blue polish.
Repeat visit planned? Yes, to sit in the cool white chairs and relax during a pedicure. Also to take advantage of some of the special events Wills has planned, such as “Toes & Tarot,” which feature pedicures and tarot card readings; and Nov. 1 which will offer $10 mini-manis and nail wraps, the movie and refreshments.
Know before you go: Free two-hour street parking is available along Tennyson, but leave yourself a few spare minutes to find a spot. Hours are noon to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Appointments can be scheduled online at basecoatdenver.com
Suzanne S. Brown: 303-954-1697, sbrown@ denverpost.com or twitter.com/suzannebro
