The image of hydrated, beautiful, and silky hair is closely linked to the femininity and health that any woman desires. However, with social pressure to conform to pre-established beauty standards, experiencing a problem like hair loss can be devastating, regardless of the cause.
Bringing happiness to those who seek her is Cláudia Piloto's mission. More than just an expert in image treatment and motivation, she is a true caregiver for women. Anyone who enters her space, BelieveInYourself , quickly notices the energy and love that bring her to life. Created to offer personalized hair prosthetics, hair rejuvenation, and motivational support, particularly for women facing hair loss due to cancer, this project is much more than a place to transform a woman's image – here, we create moments to make her smile, from the inside out. There are no magic formulas or recipes: just feel, believe, and deliver.
We spoke with the creator of the concept, who tells us the story of this space where the magic of hair beauty happens and where, more than working on aesthetics, the energy of the soul is worked on in a beautiful metamorphosis.
The BelieveInYourself project is a pioneering project in Portugal and aims to improve the image of women who seek it, focusing on their skin and, above all, hair. We know that, more than just an aesthetic change, this process can represent an internal change. How did the idea come about? Can you tell us more about this concept?
My years of experience working with human hair eventually led me to this point. One day, a friend's sister, who was battling cancer, asked me to bring her a hair prosthesis identical to hers on one of my trips to Paris. The next thing I knew, I was removing her hair and inserting the prosthesis. It all worked out surprisingly well; it was a great joy… From then on, I knew my path had to lead here. I realized that what we saw in movies—the anguish, the crying, and the sheer weight of the situation—didn't always have to happen this way. Later, I had the opportunity to help another friend's mother with the same problem, who reacted exactly the same way: she was genuinely happy, and no one could understand what had happened to her. She managed to feel beautiful throughout the process. It's important to understand that this type of procedure isn't just about adding hair to your head: hair has a unique shape, texture, and set of conditions. My perspective is to see the woman in motion, free from prying eyes. And I've always handled it very naturally, as if I'd been doing it my whole life. This had to be my path, where I act according to what I feel and am guided by my intuition.
More than a hair experience, this is a wellness experience…
Yes. One of the treatments I provide involves follicle cleansing—which can be done during cancer treatment—so that new hair grows healthy. This is combined with a therapeutic process in which patients relax for half an hour in a chair (some fall into a deep sleep). All of this represents a state of profound well-being. I follow patients for a year, and in addition to the prosthesis, I have appointments every two weeks for hair regeneration. It's a very pleasurable process, full of aromas and calming sensations. I don't focus on the disease: my focus is on the cure. I create solutions to make women feel good and beautiful, and I provide them with tools to protect themselves from other people's indiscreet questions. Above all, people need to develop love for themselves and trust the process, because that makes all the difference. Half of the healing is there. I care for women and help them stop being afraid to express their feelings. This journey is much more than an aesthetic change, there is a whole process of self-discovery along the way.
What is the concept of beauty for you?
The concept of beauty isn't necessarily about frivolity. They're completely different things. Beauty is a way of being in life. If a woman likes to look beautiful in the mirror, she should work on herself as much as possible to feel beautiful as a whole, so that her reflection isn't just a mask.
What exactly happens during a consultation with you? How is follow-up provided?
The first consultation serves to get to know the person and understand their needs. This is where my empathetic and intuitive side comes into play, building on the connection I build with them. After this initial approach, we begin to reach conclusions that are usually accurate. We chart a path and a goal. Treatment can last three months, six months, a year… it can even consist of just one appointment every now and then. Each person needs to be analyzed according to their unique nature, but all processes have something in common: they are built on special moments.
Many women will certainly come to you with great anguish and anxiety about solving their hair loss. How do you manage these emotions?
My first approach is always to ask the person how I can help them. I enjoy and need to listen to people, and then explain what my work is specifically based on and what I believe to be the best treatment for their well-being. After this approach, people begin to relax and enjoy the process.
Can anyone who wants a hair prosthesis undergo this treatment? Is there a specific age and/or type of alopecia that requires it?
Anyone can appeal. I've had and still have clients ranging from 16 to 80...
What other treatments does BelieveInYourself offer?
We always conduct a first-line assessment to ensure a perfect fit because each person is unique. In addition to our all-natural, personalized hair prosthesis services—which require an in-depth study of the client to assess the appearance, color, and quality of the hair, as well as the skin—we also offer hair rejuvenation services—to prevent aging, treat, and control the progression of alopecia using 100% natural products—and our Total Makeover , which includes a profile study and color, cut, and organic regeneration services. For cancer patients, the first hair prosthesis consultation should take place before starting chemotherapy, where they will be provided with important tools for a better quality of life during the treatment process. This initial consultation, as well as the placement of the hair prosthesis, is conducted in a private office to ensure complete privacy and comfort. Hair rejuvenation treatment is especially recommended for cancer patients so that, before chemotherapy sessions, the follicle can be cleaned and hair can grow with superior quality and without any chemical traces.
What makes you happiest on this path?
Everyone who comes here finds this space special and inspiring, and that makes me very happy, as well as being able to help people through these kinds of health processes. Finding our way and finding some peace in doing what we love is extraordinary.
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Website: www.claudiapiloto.com
