K-pop icon G-Dragon, the leader of BIGBANG, is famous for his daring hair colors and ever-changing styles. Despite frequent bleaching, dyeing, and heat styling, his hair remains remarkably thick, glossy, and free from scalp issues. During a recent appearance on the YouTube talk show Dex and Sana’s Fridge Interview, the star casually revealed his simple but powerful morning ritual: one cup of homemade black soybean tea daily. The host immediately noted the drink’s link to his full head of hair, and fans have been buzzing about the recipe ever since.
The Secret Behind G-Dragon’s Golden Locks
In the interview, G-Dragon explained that he doesn’t usually drink plain water in the morning. Instead, he reaches for a cup of black soybean tea, which he describes as having a taste similar to barley tea—mild, nutty, and easy to drink.
This habit isn’t just a quirky preference; it’s a dietary choice packed with beauty and wellness benefits that go far beyond hair maintenance. The K-pop star also credited the tea for its anti-aging and de-bloating effects, making it a triple threat in the world of functional beverages.
Why Black Soybeans? Breaking Down the Benefits
Black soybeans are a nutritional powerhouse deeply rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine. The classic medical text Materia Medica (Bencao Gangmu) praises black beans for their ability to ward off illness and promote longevity. Here’s what the science says about drinking black soybean tea:
- Hair Nourishment: Rich in protein, iron, and zinc, black soybeans provide the structural materials needed for strong, healthy hair growth. Traditional Chinese Medicine also links the beans to improved kidney energy, which is believed to prevent hair thinning caused by internal imbalances.
- Anti-Aging: Black soybeans are loaded with anthocyanins and Vitamin E, powerful antioxidants that combat free radicals and prevent cellular aging. The historical text Bencao Shiyi noted that “long-term consumption improves complexion and prevents graying.”
- Reduces Bloating: High in potassium, the tea helps flush excess sodium from the body, reducing water retention and puffiness.
- Prevents Anemia: With a strong profile of protein, folate, and iron, black soybean tea supports red blood cell production, countering fatigue and dizziness.
How to Make G-Dragon’s Signature Black Soybean Tea
One of the best aspects of this trend is its simplicity. You don’t need exotic ingredients or advanced kitchen skills. Here’s the 3-step method to brew your own batch at home:
- Prepare the Beans: Rinse one cup of dried black soybeans under cool water to remove any dust.
- Soak Overnight: Place the beans in a bowl and cover them with water. Let them soak for 8 to 12 hours. This softens the beans and unlocks their nutrients.
- Boil and Strain: Drain the soaked beans, transfer them to a pot with fresh water, and boil for about 15 minutes. The water will turn a deep, dark purple. Strain the liquid into a mug, and let it cool.
Pro Tip: The cooked beans themselves are edible and can be added to salads or rice bowls. The tea can be stored in the refrigerator for a few days and enjoyed iced or reheated.
Beyond the Tea: The Rise of Dietary Hair Care
G-Dragon’s tea habit aligns with a growing global interest in using food to combat hair loss and thinning skin. In a related trend, eating boiled eggs has gained traction as a natural intervention for hair regrowth. Functional medicine doctor Dr. Owen Han explains that hair is composed of keratin, a protein. When the body detects low albumin levels (a key protein marker), it prioritizes vital organs and shuts down hair growth to conserve resources.
Eggs are rich in biotin (Vitamin B7), high-quality amino acids, and trace minerals like zinc and selenium—all essential for a healthy scalp and robust hair follicles. While G-Dragon opts for a plant-based anti-aging tea, the egg trend highlights the same core principle: true scalp health begins from the inside out.
A Simple Habit with Lasting Impact
Whether you are concerned about thinning hair from frequent salon visits, daily heat styling, or simply the natural aging process, taking a page from G-Dragon’s wellness playbook offers a deliciously simple solution. His black soybean tea is low-cost, easy to make, and backed by centuries of folk wisdom and modern nutritional science.
As the boundaries between celebrity beauty, food, and health continue to blur, this humble bean tea serves as a reminder that some of the most effective wellness rituals are also the most accessible. If you are ready to support your hair, reduce bloating, and fight free radicals with a single cup each morning, it might be time to brew your own batch of the same drink that keeps one of K-pop’s biggest stars looking his best.
Related Reads:
- Can Diet Really Reverse Hair Loss? Understanding Biotin and Protein.
- Anti-Inflammatory Foods for a Healthier Scalp.
- The Benefits of Traditional Soy-Based Beverages in Asian Beauty Routines.