Pick a Color at Issaquah Nails, a Sammamish Plateau Business

Do your hands and feet need some TLC - as in tender and loving care? For many Sammamish residents, , a locally-owned, full-service nail salon nestled in Inglewood Plaza, is the place to go.

As you walk in the door, you’ll be greeted with soft music, warm colors and a friendly hello.

“Where else can you get a quality manicure with a neck massage for such a great value? I’ve been to very high end spas and think how this one at home is better,” Sammamish resident Margie Cofano, a customer for years, said.

Owners Dennis and Ruby Khuu, who live in Sammamish, have been offering manicures and pedicures at this location to area residents since 2004.

Nail salons can offer a great value compared to full-service spas, which likely accounts for the growth in this industry over the past decade. For $25, you can have a foot bath, massage, and pedicure, the services included in a spa pedicure.

For mothers and daughters, girlfriends and sisters who want a fun outing, it’s popular to go “have your toes done” these days.

As a teenager, Dennis Khuu was a refugee from Vietnam. He and two brothers moved to Washington state through a sponsorship program by Dan Evans, who at the time was governor. Khuu went to community college and worked for a refugee assistance program. He also volunteered as editor of the Northwest edition of a major Vietnamese newspaper.

He joined the family nail salon business in the early 1990s. Today, the extended family owns nail salons throughout the Puget Sound region, including another salon in Klahanie under the same name.

The Khuus moved to Sammamish from Renton in 2004 to raise their sons. One reason why the family arrived on the Plateau is because they were impressed by the public schools. Soon, their salon opened in the city.

The turnover among customers at the Sammamish location is low, Khuu said. The friendly banter and family-like environment is one of the draws for many customers.

The Khuus work hard to improve the salon and its offerings. In the last few years, they have upgraded the pedicure chairs and redecorated. The most recent new offering is Shellac nails. Compared to traditional acrylic nails, the shellac process lasts for weeks and doesn’t chip. The application takes about 45 minutes.

Appointments are recommended, though walk-ins are always welcome. The summer months are the busiest time of year.

“I just like going in there. It seems like the staff really enjoy each other. I always ask for Terri. She does a terrific massage. And I feel great about supporting a local business,” Cofano said.

The salon hosts private parties for bridal showers, weddings, birthdays and girls’ nights out. Salon staff also will travel to homes for group events.

Issaquah Nails is open seven days a week. Call 425-868-8171 for an appointment.

Amy Taricco is a freelance writer and Sammamish resident.