Any MU students looking for a new Columbia-based nail technician this semester need not look any further than the women’s bathroom on the first floor of the Student Center. 

This is where I first stumbled upon MU freshman, nursing major and nail technician Jasmin Rodriguez. Too shy to advertise to the student population face-to-face, Rodriguez instead decided to market her growing business with a sticky note inside the first stall that read, “Your new favorite nail tech” alongside an Instagram handle, @jas.nailxtensions.

When I first scrolled through the account’s feed, I was shocked and impressed. The designs featured on the page were as good as, if not better than, any set of nails I had ever received. In true journalism-major fashion, I decided to investigate and message the account.

The only spot available was two weeks out. Though I was anxious to get a new set of nails before the holidays, I must admit Rodriguez’s busy schedule was reassuring, as a completely unscheduled esthetician is usually a bad sign.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             

About a week before my appointment, Rodriguez reached out to see what kind of design I wanted. After sending her an idea from my Pinterest board, she agreed to the design and offered to do the full set with gel polish for $25. Other nail salons Columbia, including Varsity Nails and My Perfect Nails, listed a full set with gel polish at $30-$60. 

Rodriguez does gel extensions rather than traditional powder acrylics, which may account for the price difference. Because gel extensions are painted onto full tips, they must be completely replaced every two to three weeks. Traditional powder acrylics, however, can be “backfilled,” a process that adds new acrylic to the back end of a set to extend its wear, at about a third of the cost of the original set. The same set can be “filled” several times before being completely redone. 

The salon’s location? Rodrgiuez’s bedroom inside her family’s Columbia residence. Despite conducting her business from her home, Rodriguez’s setup was professional, featuring a dedicated nail desk, UV LED lamp (used to cure gel manicures) and dozens of color choices. Her nail desk was very clean, and she wore gloves throughout the process. 

The downside to this location is getting there. From my residence hall on the edge of campus, the drive was a little less than 10 minutes, which in Columbia usually equals about a $10 one-way Uber ride, not including tip. For students without a car, the price may be almost double after factoring in transportation costs. 

The appointment took a little over an hour from start to finish, which is slightly longer than a typical acrylic set. That being said, the finished product reflected a much greater attention to detail than I have previously experienced. My nails appear clean and the french tip is, as far as I can tell, exactly even on each nail. 

Not only was I satisfied with the set and the application, but Rodriguez was also kind and accommodating throughout the process. As someone who has bitten their nails for years, resulting in damaged cuticles and short nails, Rodriguez was nonjudgemental and respectful.

Overall, my experience was very positive. I love the way my nails came out, and Rodriguez was a pleasure to work with. I would strongly recommend her if you are looking for salon-quality nails. Rodriguez offers full sets at a lower price, though I would advise students without a car to get a ride from a friend to their appointment or factor in transportation costs.
Edited by Shannon Worley | sworley@themaneater.com