Blue Sky Nails & Lash Highlands — Local services in Denver

I was excited to try this new nail salon that just opened nearby. It’s a large, modern space, and I had heard a lot of great things, so I decided to stop in for a walk-in basic manicure and pedicure just to get a feel for the place before committing to anything more extensive.

What to Expect as a First-Time Visitor:

Color Selection Can Be Overwhelming: When I walked in, I was greeted kindly but immediately asked to pick a color. There were hundreds of options, but none of the polish brands were familiar to me. I had a color in mind but couldn’t find an exact match, so I settled on something close. If you’re particular about shades or brands, I recommend coming prepared with a photo or asking a staff member for help right away. Wait Time Without Clear Updates: I waited about 20 minutes after picking my color before a technician came to get me. The waiting area is comfortable, but I wasn’t told how long the wait would be, which made things feel a little uncertain. It might help to call ahead or make an appointment if you're on a tight schedule. Service Felt Rushed: Once I was seated for the pedicure, I was handed a menu and asked to choose a type—I went with the classic. The technician asked if I wanted my toenails cut, and I said yes, but she trimmed them shorter than I would have liked without checking how much I wanted off. She also rounded the shape when I prefer square. If you have specific preferences, make sure to speak up early and clearly. Minimal Cuticle and Skin Care: The cuticle and dead skin removal felt very rushed—maybe 10 seconds total—and my technician painted over my cuticles, which caused peeling within a few days. If cuticle care is important to you, I suggest confirming that in advance. Manicure Process Was Unusual: For the manicure, there was no hand soak or even a hand wash before the polish was applied. She just slipped gloves on my hands and started. It felt unsanitary and very rushed, which was disappointing for even a basic service. Final Thoughts:

The salon has a lot of potential—it’s new, clean, and clearly popular, and I’ve seen some amazing photos from other clients who got beautiful results. But my own experience felt a bit inconsistent and rushed, especially for a walk-in. I do understand it was a busy Sunday, but I wish there had been more attention to detail.

Tips for First-Time Visitors:

Bring a photo of the color you want or ask for help if you’re unsure. Be specific about your preferences (nail length, shape, etc.) early in the appointment. Consider making an appointment during a slower time for more personalized service. Don’t hesitate to ask questions—especially if you’re unsure about the process or what’s included in your service. I may give the salon another chance with an appointment and a more experienced technician, but I recommend first-timers go in prepared and communicate clearly to get the best...

Summary: I’ve been a loyal customer and appreciate the nail techs’ work, but recent experiences, especially at checkout, have made me feel uncomfortable and undervalued. I’m still returning, but I hope management takes this feedback seriously.

I’ve been coming to this salon since they opened and have had consistently solid service from the nail techs, some are still learning, but they work well as a team, and I’ve appreciated their effort and care. I’ve returned six or seven times now, usually spending over $100 per visit and tipping generously because I value good service.

At my most recent visit today, I booked a gel manicure, which typically includes collagen gloves-a key part of the service. The technician I was paired with was kind and did a good job overall, though she spoke very limited English. Throughout the service, she relied on coworkers to help translate my requests, including for nail art. One of the tech’s translating said the gloves would be added at the end. I agreed, though they’re usually applied earlier in the process.

The gloves were never applied. When I brought it up at checkout, I was met with a sharp, “We don’t do discounts.” I hadn’t asked for a discount, I was simply trying to clarify whether I’d been charged for a service I didn’t receive. I was told the issue would be addressed with the technician later, but that didn’t resolve the fact that my service had already ended without a key element included and was being charged for it. There was no acknowledgment in the moment that the service wasn’t complete, and no gesture to make it right. That said, I was offered the gloves then and there, but by that point I had already been at the salon for a very long time; this was a newer tech and while I appreciated her attention to detail the appointment had run much longer than expected. I also just had to go.

While I’ve tried to overlook the uncomfortable energy I’ve experienced during past checkout interactions with the owner, I’ve often felt more monitored than welcomed. There’s a tone and energy that feels more like surveillance than hospitality. Ive often felt like I’m being watched closely to make sure I pay before I exit. It’s hard to name, but it leaves me feeling uneasy and unappreciated as a customer.

This review is not a reflection of the nail techs, who have always been kind and hardworking. I’m writing this in hopes that management considers how much customer care, especially for returning clients, matters just as much as the service itself.

I hope to see the same care and professionalism that the nail techs bring reflected at the front desk as well. That would turn a mixed experience into...

Worst experience at a nail salon. I regularly get Gel X sets and decided to mix with things up and try this place out vs my regular spot. Big mistake. The tech was totally distracted checking her phone constantly and sending messages, kept snagging the filing drill on my fingertips and kept filing my natural nails too thin and burning me, applied the Gel X nails completely crooked and when I pointed out that they were diagonal on my finger she took them off and had to restart. She seemed inexperienced with using the airbrush tool for a French ombré look and the spray got all over my hands/forearms and I tried to hold my breath so I didn’t breathe in the massive plume of polish and acetone she was blowing in my direction. I just wanted to get up and leave and have my nails finished at my go to salon, but stuck it through and just sat there quietly (for about three hours given she had to redo my nails so many times because they were completely crooked and the airbrush step wasn’t working and she kept taking the polish off and starting over). Please don’t experiment with this place. I’m shocked they have so many positive reviews. Maybe some techs are better than others, but I will never be back. I am typically a grateful/satisfied customer and generous tipper but I just paid for the “service” and told the person at the front desk that I’d never be back when he asked how my experience was. The salon did try calling me after I left, but there’s nothing much to say other than I wish I had that $100 and three hours of...