SEOUL — K-pop icon G-Dragon, leader of BIGBANG, has long been admired for his ever-changing hairstyles and seemingly indestructible mane. Despite years of frequent dyeing and heat styling, the 36-year-old singer maintains a thick, healthy head of hair—a feat that has sparked curiosity among fans worldwide. In a candid moment on the YouTube series Dex and Sana’s Fridge Interview, G-Dragon revealed that his secret isn’t a pricey salon treatment but a simple homemade beverage he drinks every morning: black bean tea.
The revelation came as host Dex joked that the tea must be the reason behind G-Dragon’s enviable hair volume. The singer responded by describing the tea’s nutty flavor, comparing it to roasted barley tea, and noting that it helps with water retention and signs of aging as well. The clip quickly went viral, sending fans scrambling for the recipe.
Why Black Bean Tea?
Black beans have been a staple in traditional East Asian medicine for centuries. Modern nutrition science backs up many of their reputed benefits. According to the Compendium of Materia Medica, black beans are considered a “superfood” that can prevent a wide range of ailments. Here’s what makes them particularly effective for hair and overall wellness:
- Hair nourishment: Black beans are rich in protein, vitamins, iron, and zinc—all essential for healthy hair growth. In traditional Chinese medicine, they are believed to tonify kidney energy, which is linked to preventing hair loss caused by kidney deficiency.
- Anti-aging properties: The beans are packed with anthocyanins and vitamin E, potent antioxidants that combat cellular damage and support skin elasticity. Ancient texts note that regular consumption can “brighten the complexion and prevent graying.”
- Water retention relief: High in potassium, black beans help flush excess sodium from the body, reducing puffiness. One diet book cited in the original report claims a person lost 7 kg in a month using a black bean weight-loss method.
- Anemia prevention: The iron, folate, and protein content supports red blood cell formation, helping combat fatigue and dizziness associated with anemia.
How to Make G-Dragon’s Black Bean Tea at Home
Recreating the star’s daily elixir requires just two ingredients and three simple steps. The tea can be brewed in bulk and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Ingredients:
- 100 g raw black beans
- 1.5 liters water
Instructions:
- Rinse and dry: Wash the black beans thoroughly, then pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel.
- Toast the beans: In a dry pan over medium heat, toast the beans for 5–7 minutes, stirring constantly until they crackle and release a nutty aroma. Be careful not to burn them.
- Simmer and steep: Transfer the toasted beans to a pot with the water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15–20 minutes. Strain the liquid into a bottle or jar. Drink warm or chilled.
G-Dragon reportedly drinks one cup every morning on an empty stomach. The leftover beans can be reused once for a second, lighter brew.
Beyond Hair: A Growing Trend in Nutritional Hair Care
The fascination with G-Dragon’s hair secret comes amid a broader shift toward dietary solutions for hair loss. In recent months, a separate trend has emerged in Taiwan, where television host Lan Sin-mei advocated eating eight boiled eggs daily to restore thinning hair—a method backed by functional medicine doctors who point to eggs’ biotin, complete protein, and zinc content as critical for keratin production.
While black bean tea and eggs offer different nutritional profiles, both highlight a common principle: hair health starts from within. Dermatologists and dietitians increasingly emphasize that deficiencies in protein, iron, zinc, and B vitamins are often overlooked culprits behind hair thinning.
What This Means for You
G-Dragon’s black bean tea is more than a celebrity fad—it’s a low-cost, accessible way to incorporate nutrient-dense ingredients into your daily routine. Whether you’re battling hair loss, looking to reduce bloating, or simply seeking an antioxidant boost, this tea is worth a try. As with any dietary change, consult a healthcare professional if you have underlying conditions, especially kidney issues, due to black beans’ moderate oxalate content.
For those eager to explore further, consider pairing the tea with a balanced diet rich in leafy greens, lean proteins, and healthy fats. And if you’re curious about the egg method, our earlier article on protein’s role in hair growth offers a deeper dive.
In the meantime, pour yourself a cup of black bean tea—and channel your inner G-Dragon.