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Interview & Treatment Experience Report with the “God-Hand”
Esthetician, Rhaquel【Interview Edition】

Rhaquel’s treatments are highly popular and known for being difficult to book.

Rhaquel, an esthetician with over a decade of experience, is highly regarded in Los Angeles, earning the title of “God-Hand” for her exceptional techniques. She serves a diverse clientele, with a particularly strong following among Japanese customers.

The American edition of b.glenish! highlights women who shine in their own unique way, sharing their stories and beauty secrets through interviews.

In this feature, we speak with Rhaquel, one of LA’s most sought-after estheticians, to uncover her secrets to achieving timeless beauty. Additionally, as a mature writer myself, I experience her treatment firsthand and provide a detailed report.

This special will be presented in two parts:

Part 1: Interview Edition
Part 2: Treatment Experience Edition

A Bold Career Change into the World of Beauty
“I’d love to have a casual girls’ talk and hear your story. You’re known as the “God-Hand” for your exceptional techniques and have a large clientele. What inspired you to enter the beauty industry?”

Rhaquel:
“As a woman, especially an Asian woman, I have always valued the beauty of natural skin. Around the time I became a mother, I wanted to dedicate more time to self-care, so I started going to spas. Experiencing treatments in a refined, relaxing space left a strong impression on me.

That’s when I asked how I could become an esthetician myself. I learned that in California, you need to complete a 600-hour program (approximately six months) at a school and pass the state exam to obtain a license. At the time, I was working in the transportation industry, but I immediately informed my boss of my decision to enroll.

He probably thought it was just a passing whim, but I completed the program in just three months and made the career switch.”

“Only three months?! You had a young child, too—it must have taken an incredible amount of determination.”

“I attended classes at night and on weekends, working as hard as I could. As a mother, my daughter was my top priority, so I needed a career that allowed me to work flexibly.

More importantly, I wanted to help my clients bring out their natural beauty—this truly felt like my calling. Of course, it wasn’t an easy path, and even now, I still face financial challenges every month!” (laughs)

The True Skills of Estheticians Are Tested in American Salons

b.glen products used in Rhaquel’s treatments.

“In the U.S., unlike in Japan, beauty professionals such as estheticians and hairstylists typically work as freelancers rather than being employed by spas or salons. They rent space in spas or salons and provide services directly to clients.
Because of this system, individual skills and service quality are evaluated much more critically.”

Rhaquel:
“Yes, I always strive to be creative in my approach. While I ensure that my fundamental techniques are performed with precision and care, I also incorporate medical spa treatments, herbal therapies, and holistic approaches tailored to each client’s needs.

The inner and outer body are deeply connected, and I believe my ability to continue in this industry for 15 years is thanks to the unique treatments my clients trust and appreciate.

Clients often tell me, “Rhaquel, you know my body better than my own doctor!” Before starting any treatment, I conduct a thorough consultation to understand my clients’ skin type, lifestyle, and concerns—not just about their skin, but also their physical and mental well-being.

I then combine professional-grade products with customized treatment plans and provide at-home skincare recommendations. By taking a comprehensive approach, I ensure that my treatments adapt to the ever-changing needs of my clients.”

The Skin, Mind, and Body Are All Connected—Total Beauty! “It’s true—your skin’s condition is greatly influenced by your physical health and mental well-being.”

Rhaquel:
“Yes, the skin, mind, and body are all connected. That’s why I focus on holistic care to bring out true, lasting beauty.

In California, my treatments are limited to skincare due to licensing regulations. However, I have taken herbalism classes to integrate herbal treatments, studied mental health to better understand emotional well-being, and obtained an Oncology Esthetician certification after losing my mother to breast cancer.

Of course, I also frequently attend conventions and training sessions to stay up to date with the latest advancements in skincare treatments and techniques.

I love learning. The more I deepen my knowledge of beauty and wellness, the better I can apply it to my treatments, provide accurate advice, and help my clients even more effectively.

I never stop updating my knowledge and skills—”Bigan,” a popular treatment in Europe, is no exception!”

Rhaquel passionately expresses her dedication to her clients through her gestures.
Her sincere personality shines through.

I admire her fearless dedication to learning!

Rhaquel:
”I feel like a plant that never stops growing (laughs). I constantly take new classes, and each time, I gain a fresh perspective.

Techniques like lymphatic drainage and sculpting are now widely used in home care, but I had already incorporated them before they became mainstream. Rather than just following trends, I focus on identifying and integrating what my clients truly need.

Recently, I studied Bigan, a technique inspired by Japanese intraoral stretching. Originally developed to improve TMJ disorders, migraines, and neck stiffness, it has gained popularity in Europe and Russia, though it is still relatively unknown in Japan.

However, it is a technically challenging method, and many practitioners hesitate to perform it since it involves placing hands inside the client’s mouth.”

“Opening the mouth for treatment sounds like a visit to the dentist, so many people may feel hesitant about receiving a massage that involves hands inside the mouth.”

Rhaquel:
“That’s right. But once people try it, they find it incredibly relaxing. Many clients even request it again after their session. In Japan, it seems to be spreading as a self-care method through platforms like YouTube and Instagram, but professional services offering this specialized massage are still quite rare.

Cultural factors may also play a role, as many people in Japan feel hesitant about having someone’s hands inside their mouth. When I first learned this technique, I was amazed by its effectiveness, so I incorporate it into my treatments based on each client’s condition. I recommend trying it on yourself first—once you experience the benefits, you might feel more comfortable seeking professional treatment.”

Popular Treatments in Los Angeles and Future Aesthetic Trends

Rhaquel’s treatments incorporate a multifaceted approach, including lymphatic drainage, sculpting, Bigan (facial muscle therapy), and herbal remedies.

Q1. What are the most popular treatments in LA right now?
Q2. What are there any lesser known but highly recommended new treatments, like Bigan?

Rhaquel:
“Currently, popular treatments include dermaplaning, microneedling, chemical peels, and laser resurfacing for skin renewal.

Additionally, HydraFacial and LED light therapy are highly sought after for their immediate effects, enhancing skin radiance and hydration. There is also a strong demand for injectable treatments such as Botox and fillers.

Among the latest emerging treatments, plasma fibroblast therapy and advanced radiofrequency-based skin tightening are gaining attention. For those with sensitive skin, I also recommend enzyme treatments, which provide effective exfoliation while minimizing irritation.”

“I’d love to try them all! With so many new treatments emerging, it’s essential to rely on professionals to determine which ones are best suited for my skin.
What trends do you see shaping the future of the aesthetic industry in LA?”

Rhaquel:
“The industry is shifting towards non-invasive, non-surgical treatments as technology advances. This trend may be influenced by the rise of K-Beauty (Korean beauty) and J-Beauty (Japanese beauty), which have reshaped skincare awareness.

While the change isn’t drastic, Asian beauty principles have introduced multi-step skincare routines from toner to cream, along with innovative ingredients like cica, snail mucin, centella asiatica, NMN, and exosomes. Additionally, the emphasis on deep hydration and glowing skin has influenced American skincare culture.

As a result, the beauty ideal is shifting away from heavy makeup towards a more natural and healthy complexion. In the U.S., there is a growing focus on preventative care and long-term skin health, promoting a more comprehensive skincare approach.

In the future, the aesthetic industry is expected to see more customizable facials, AI-powered skin diagnostics, laser therapy, PRP-based microneedling, and ultrasonic lifting becoming more mainstream.

The next major advancement will likely be the widespread adoption of professional-grade home devices, microbiome-focused skincare, and stem cell-based regenerative treatments.”

At b.glen, we also advocate a multi-step skincare routine, including cleansing, toner, serum, and cream.
It’s fascinating to see this very approach being incorporated into American skincare trends.

It makes me feel even more motivated to confidently stick to my daily skincare routine! The beauty industry is constantly evolving, and I can’t wait to see what’s next!

“Now that we’ve discussed industry trends, I’d love to hear more as I experience one of your treatments firsthand.”

The continuation of the treatment experience and interview can be found in the “Treatment Experience Report” section.