Meet Gisele Jara | Scalp Micropigmentation Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Gisele Jara and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Gisele, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I have always been drawn to doing anything that I could make with my hands and put my own point of view into. From being in punk bands in high school, to sewing/adjusting/putting patches onto my own clothing as a kid, to video editing, to cake designs, to restorative tattooing! I grew up with the example of “be creative”. My mother was a very talented and highly sought after hair dresser in West LA and a shining example of what it meant to follow your dreams and reach your goals. Along with having an immensely musical family on my dad’s side, creativity was always nurtured and encouraged in my home and I knew from a young age, that creativity was my career. After years of following different creative paths, I finally found my heart in Scalp Micropigmentation (SMP). I knew that I wanted to do something that would help people and allow me to be creative at the same time, two of the things that make up my core. When I took my SMP course, I remember feeling “this is it.” It’s the career equivalent of when you go on a first date and you immediately have a connection, a spark, like you’ve known each other all along…that was the feeling I got with SMP and I knew that no matter what, I had to stick with it!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Scalp Micropigmentation (SMP) is a non invasive solution for the appearance of hair loss. The procedure is done by implanting thousands of micro impressions onto the scalp to replicate the look of hair follicles. This treatment benefits both men and women who are balding or have thinning hair. Each session ranges from 2-4 hours, depending on the size of the area needing treatment. Regardless of size, everyone needs 2-4 sessions, depending on how well the scalp accepts the pigment. Several sessions are needed in order to properly layer impressions over previously healed impressions, to provide a realisting result. An SMP tattoo machine is used, along with SMP tattoo needles and pigment, all of which are specifically designed to be used for SMP treatments. The pigment used is carbon based organic pigment and safe for use. An in depth consultation can be scheduled to go over your personalized treatment plan!

I currently specialize in female density SMP under the artist name, ScalpCentric! We sometimes tend to think that extreme hair loss is something that only impacts men, and forget that women also suffer from it. I personally experienced hair loss and extreme thinning during the unraveling of an autoimmune disease, which took years to diagnose. Hair is SO important to women and is such a big part of our identity, that when we begin to lose it, it makes us feel like we are missing a part of ourselves. I know the discomfort and embarrassment associated with that, and so I am able to connect with my clients, on a deeper level. I am most proud of having clients who are able to feel more like themselves after each session…it’s an incredible honor!

Today, professionally I am an artist who is continuously learning and thriving to be a better version of me each day. I am currently in a cosmetic and restorative tattoo studio, where I can proudly serve my clients. It definitely was not easy getting here, but I’ve never had any other choice, than to keep going. Once I make up my mind about something, I make it happen, regardless of how much time it takes. I’ve had to navigate the world on my own since I was about 17 and that experience has definitely shaped my grit and persistence as an artist. There will always be challenges, and I have overcome many by sticking to my path with my integrity and gut instincts by my side. I’ve learned many lessons along the way, but the most important one so far has been to be your own cheerleader and your own strength. Trust me, no one should be prouder of you, than you are of yourself!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my bff was visiting, we would probably start with a good breakfast at Rutt’s Cafe in Culver City, do a little record bins diving at Sonido Del Valle in Boyle Heights, go walk around my hometown at Venice Beach, and at some point have a few drinks at Angel City Brewery and tacos at Ave 26!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My mom, Ana Rosa Lopez Jara. She was an incredibly vibrant, generous, vivacious, creative, and loving person. I owe everything that I am and will continue to strive to be, to her. By her example, she showed me that it was possible to have a creative career that you love and to never stop striving for your personal best and that persistence is key! She was a highly successful hair stylist in West LA, and was loved by clients and anyone who met her. I continue to follow her example, and treat every client with compassion, honesty, and integrity.

The SMP community, has helped me along my journey as well! Whenever I needed extra advice or constructive criticism, I would reach out to the artists that I admire, and they have always been very generous with their time and knowledge! I’m very lucky to be part of such a supportive community. And of course my trainers who helped me in the beginning of my journey, Eddie Lopez from Scalp Artist International and Gabe Barboza from Precise Scalp Micro.

Website: https://studiosashiko.com/pages/gisele

Instagram: Scalpcentric