K-pop icon G-Dragon (Kwon Ji-yong) has sported countless vibrant and complex hairstyles throughout his career with BIGBANG, yet his scalp has seemingly remained resilient. He recently shared his simple secret on the YouTube show Dex and Sana’s Fridge Interview: a daily cup of homemade black bean tea.
The K-Pop Idol’s Morning Ritual
G-Dragon told the hosts that he starts his morning by drinking a cup of black bean tea instead of plain water, noting its flavor is as smooth and pleasant as barley tea. The secret quickly went viral, but the star insists it is simply a part of his everyday wellness practice, helping with everything from maintaining hair density to reducing water retention and fighting signs of aging.
The Power of Black Beans
Black beans are loaded with nutrients vital for hair and overall health. Traditional Chinese medicine, including the classic Compendium of Materia Medica, has long praised black beans for their restorative properties. Modern science supports these claims, highlighting the following benefits:
- Rich in Protein and Zinc: These are crucial components for keratin, the protein that makes up our hair. Zinc also helps keep the oil glands around hair follicles functioning properly, which can prevent shedding.
- Packed with Antioxidants: Anthocyanins and Vitamin E protect hair cells from oxidative stress and premature aging, keeping the scalp healthy.
- Naturally Diuretic: The high potassium content helps flush out excess sodium, effectively reducing puffiness and promoting kidney health.
- Prevents Anemia: The abundance of iron and folate helps combat hair thinning caused by nutritional deficiencies.
3 Steps to G-Dragon’s Favorite Brew
Recreating this celebrity hair tonic at home is deceptively simple. All you need is dried black beans and water.
- Roast: Gently toast one cup of dried black beans in a pan until they darken slightly and release a nutty aroma.
- Simmer: Add the roasted beans to four cups of water. Bring to a rolling boil, then reduce to a simmer for 15–20 minutes.
- Strain: Pour the liquid through a fine strainer into your cup. Enjoy it hot, or chill it for a refreshing iced tea.
Why Protein Packs a Punch for Hair Growth
While G-Dragon’s tea is excellent for delivering antioxidants and micronutrients, hair is structurally a complex protein. This brings us to another viral method supported by experts: eating eggs for hair growth.
Inspired by Taiwanese TV host Lan Xinmei, who famously reversed her hair loss by eating eight boiled eggs a day, many are turning to protein-centric diets. Dr. Ou Hanwen, a functional medicine physician, explains the science behind the trend. He notes that low albumin levels—the protein in your blood—can trigger significant hair loss. When the body is starved of protein, it prioritizes vital organs, effectively starving the hair follicles. Eggs are a perfect bioavailable source of biotin (Vitamin B7), the essential coenzyme for manufacturing keratin, along with zinc, selenium, and vitamin D—all critical for a thriving scalp.
A Holistic Approach to Hair Health
G-Dragon’s revelation is a powerful reminder that great hair often starts from within. Whether you choose to adopt his soothing black bean tea ritual for antioxidant protection or focus on protein-rich foods like eggs to rebuild keratin, the connection between diet and dermal health is undeniable. Before drastically changing your diet to save your hairline, consulting a professional is wise, but starting the day with a mug of nutty, antioxidant-rich black bean tea is a delicious, simple, and potentially transformative first step toward stronger, healthier strands.