K-pop icon G-Dragon (Kwon Ji-yong) is known for pushing fashion boundaries, frequently bleaching and restyling his hair. Yet, the BIGBANG leader maintains an impressively thick mane with no visible signs of hair loss. During an appearance on the YouTube series Dex and Sana’s Refrigerator Interview, the trendsetter revealed that his secret weapon isn’t an expensive salon treatment—it’s a simple cup of homemade black soybean tea he drinks every morning.
Why Black Soybeans
According to G-Dragon, swapping plain water for black soybean tea has been a key part of his morning routine. Host Dex quickly noted that the drink “explains why his hair is so thick,” a comment that sent fans scrambling for the recipe. The star himself compared the mild, nutty flavour to that of barley tea, making it an easy swap for anyone looking to try it.
The benefits, however, go far beyond hair preservation. Ancient medical texts like the Bencao Shiyi have long praised black soybeans for their ability to “improve complexion and slow aging.” Modern nutritional science backs this up. The legumes are packed with anthocyanins, powerful antioxidants that protect cells from oxidative stress, alongside essential minerals like iron, zinc, and potassium.
The tea is widely touted for four primary health advantages:
- Hair Growth and Nourishment: Rich in protein and iron, black beans supply the raw materials needed for keratin production and healthy scalp circulation, directly addressing common nutritional deficiencies tied to hair thinning.
- Anti-Aging Effects: The high concentration of Vitamin E and anthocyanins helps neutralize free radicals, promoting skin elasticity and overall cellular health.
- Natural De-Puffing: Potassium acts as a natural diuretic, helping the body flush out excess sodium and reducing water retention.
- Anemia Prevention: A strong source of iron and folate, the tea supports red blood cell formation, which can alleviate fatigue and dizziness caused by iron deficiency.
The 3-Step Ritual
Replicating G-Dragon’s morning elixir at home requires just two ingredients and very little effort.
- Thoroughly rinse a cup of raw black soybeans to remove any dust or impurities.
- Boil the beans in water for roughly 10 to 15 minutes, then allow the mixture to steep until it turns a deep, rich brown.
- Strain the liquid into a cup. The remaining boiled beans are perfectly edible and can be added to salads or eaten as a high-protein snack.
Drinking this tea on an empty stomach is said to maximize absorption of its nutrients, making it a gentle yet powerful start to the day.
The Protein Connection
G-Dragon isn’t the only celebrity sparking conversation around hair health through diet. A separate viral trend suggests eating up to eight boiled eggs daily to reverse hair loss. Taiwanese host Lan Xinmei popularised this method after doctors diagnosed her with severe protein malnourishment, and she credited it with rebuilding her receding hairline.
Functional medicine physician Dr. Ou Hanwen explains the logic. Hair is primarily composed of keratin, a structural protein. When the body’s albumin (protein) levels drop too low, it prioritises vital organs and shuts down hair growth. Eggs provide a complete set of amino acids, along with biotin (Vitamin B7), zinc, selenium, and Vitamin D—all critical micronutrients for sustaining healthy hair follicles.
A Broader Lesson
Whether it’s G-Dragon’s antioxidant-rich soybean tonic or a targeted high-protein diet, these celebrity anecdotes highlight an often-overlooked truth: healthy hair begins from within. Topical products address surface issues, but genuine, lasting thickness is built through nutrition. For anyone noticing sudden hair loss or thinning, a thorough check of dietary protein, iron levels, and overall vitamin intake—ideally with a doctor’s guidance—could be the most effective first step. Reclaiming your hair might be as simple as changing what’s in your cup.