Your Complete Guide to the Viral Abbey Yung Hair Method

What Is the Abbey Yung Method?

The Abbey Yung Method was created by certified trichologist and beauty content creator Abbey Yung. She has long shared her product recommendations and hair care tips, touting her healthy, gorgeous hair in the process. With so many inquiries as to how she achieved her healthiest hair yet, she decided to share the Abbey Yung Method.

The method consists of science-backed steps that focus on repairing the scalp and hair to achieve stronger strands. Yung’s routine also focuses on affordability, with the trichologist sharing drugstore faves that work just as well as high-end products. You can find some of her product recommendations and discount codes here.

TL;DR: The Abbey Yung Method

The mission: Repair first. Clean smart. Condition always. Protect every time.

Pre-Wash (1–2x/week)

• Bond repair treatment

• Oil treatment (optional for dry/damaged hair)

Wash

• Clarifying shampoo (weekly)

• Regular shampoo (as needed)

• Medicated shampoo (optional)

Condition (every wash)

• Gloss or conditioner or mask

• Bond repair treatment (weekly)

Post-Wash (non-negotiable)

• Leave-in conditioner

• Heat protectant

Style & Maintain

• Styling products (optional)

• Serum/cream/oil to seal

• Dry shampoo between washes (not a replacement)

Short on time?

Shampoo + conditioner/mask + leave-in with heat protection = results.

Bottom line: Consistency > complexity. Healthy hair isn’t instant—it’s intentional.

The Complete Abbey Yung Method, Step-by-Step

The Abbey Yung Method is not for the self-care minimalist. It does require a handful of steps and a bit of work, but as people on TikTok have claimed, it is well worth the effort. Let’s go over the steps.

Step 1: Pre-Shampoo Bond Repair Treatment

Yung recommends starting with a pre-shampoo bond repair treatment to fix damage before you even step foot in the shower. She says to do this once or twice a week and apply the treatment “10 minutes before washing or applying any other product.”

Step 2: Pre-Shampoo Oil Treatment

Next, we move into a pre-shampoo oil treatment. This is an optional step, according to Yung, though she does suggest it for more dry or damaged hair types. “For damaged hair prone to dryness or tangling, you can apply a pre-shampoo oil treatment at least 20 minutes before washing.” She says you can skip this on days when you start with a pre-shampoo bond repair treatment.

Step 3: Clarifying Shampoo

To get your hair back to its most natural, clean state, use a clarifying shampoo at least once a week. Some hair types may require more frequent use, while others can max out at once a week. Give your scalp the detox it needs with one of these 14 clarifying shampoos.

Step 4: Non-Clarifying Shampoo

Your shampoo of choice is next. Whether you need a hydrating shampoo or one that helps maintain the vibrancy of your color, Yung says to use a non-clarifying shampoo as often as needed.

Optional: Medicated Shampoos

Yung mentions that medicated shampoos are optional to work into your shower routine if you need them. “Use as needed to prevent itching, irritation, and flaking, whether that’s in place of or in addition to clarifying and non-clarifying shampoo.”

Step 5: Bond Repair Treatment

Yung recommends incorporating a bond repair treatment into your routine at least once a week, though you can use it more often if needed. She says that if your preferred product is the K18 HAIR Leave-in Molecular Repair Hair Mask, you only need to use it once every few weeks.

Step 6: Conditioning

Part 1: Glosses

“Use at least one conditioning product (i.e. gloss, conditioner, or mask) every time you wash your hair,” says Yung. “If needed, use more than one in the same wash (i.e. gloss + conditioner, gloss + mask, conditioner + mask).”

Part 2: Conditioner

Depending on your hair type, you can use any conditioner you choose. Make sure to apply your conditioner from mid-lengths to ends, not on your scalp.

Part 3: Hair Masks

There are numerous hair masks out there for you to choose from. Work one into your routine at least once a week to repair any damage you’ve incurred. There’s a good chance you’ll find one in this list of 22 hair masks for every hair concern.

Step 7: Post-Wash Bond Repair Treatment

This is another optional step post-shower, though Yung does highly recommend incorporating it into your routine once or twice a week. “Apply post-wash and wait 10 minutes before applying any other product.”

Step 8: Leave-In Conditioner and Heat Protection

Not an optional step, Yung says to use a leave-in conditioner and heat protection after every wash day. She says to “apply liberally” to ensure you coat every strand. Discover the best leave-in conditioner for your hair type here. Plus, find a heat protectant that works for you among the 12 best.

Step 9: Styling

“This step is completely optional and up to personal preference,” Yung shares. “Feel free to use any stylers you want in any order that works best for you in this routine.”

Step 10: Style Sealers

Part 1: Serums

“If additional conditioning, softening, smoothing, and shine is needed after using a leave-in spray, feel free to add a serum, lotion, cream, or oil as a final style sealer,” Yung recommends. If you feel like you’ve achieved the shine and softness you need after using a leave-in, you’re all set.

Part 2: Lotions/Creams

Creams and lotions are often ideal for curly and natural hair types, though all hair types can find one that works for their needs.

Part 3: Oils

While optional, hair oils offer a ton of benefits, including growth, shine, and more. 

Step 11: Between-Wash Care

Part 1: Conditioning

This step is optional, as are these product recommendations, though they can help you maintain your softness and shine for longer. “If your hair is feeling dry and tangled between washes, apply an overnight treatment or oil to recondition, smooth, and add shine.”

Part 2: Heat Protection

Yung shares, “If using hot styling tools like straighteners or curling irons between washes, apply heat protection first for extra protection.”

Part 3: Dry Shampoo

Dry shampoo may already be a staple, and Yung does say to use it between washes to refresh greasy roots “as long as it’s not replacing your wash day.” Find the right dry shampoo for your hair type here.

How to Simplify the Abbey Yung Method

Not everyone has the budget or the time to follow an 11-step routine. That’s why Yung simplified her method, based on the number of products you’re willing to use. Let’s break it down.

3 Products Total

For those who want to keep the method incredibly minimal, Yung suggests using a shampoo, conditioner, or hair mask, then a leave-in conditioning spray with heat protection. The EVA NYC Stay Hydrated Leave-In Conditioner is a great option, offering heat protection up to 450°F.

4 Products Total

If you can work in one more product, Yung has a few options for you.

Option 1:

• Clarifying shampoo

• Repairing/strengthening shampoo (alternate between the two from wash to wash or use both in the same wash)

• Conditioner or hair mask (pick one)

• Leave-in conditioning spray with heat protection

Option 2:

• Shampoo

• Bond repair treatment (this can be used before or after you wash your hair)

• Conditioner or hair mask

• Leave-in conditioning spray with heat protection

5 Products Total

The five-step method also has options for you to choose from.

Option 1:

• Clarifying shampoo

• Repairing/strengthening shampoo (alternate between the two from wash to wash or use both in the same wash)

• Bond repair treatment

• Conditioner or hair mask (pick one)

• Leave-in conditioning spray with heat protection

Option 2:

• Shampoo

• Bond repair treatment (this can be used before or after you wash your hair)

• Conditioner or hair mask

• Leave-in conditioning spray with heat protection

• Hair oil (can be used pre-wash, post-wash, or both)

6 Products Total

The six-step routine follows the structure below:

• Clarifying shampoo

• Repairing/strengthening shampoo (alternate between the two from wash to wash, or use both in the same wash)

• Bond repair treatment

• Conditioner or hair mask (pick one)

• Leave-in conditioning spray with heat protection

• Hair oil (can be used pre-wash, post-wash, or both)

Additional Tips and Tricks to Make the Abbey Yung Method Work for You

Focus on Your Hair Type

When choosing products, pay attention to your hair type. We all have unique textures and densities, so we won’t all use the same products. While Yung does have your recommendations, you may need to find ones that work specifically for you.

Work With Your Budget

The goal of The Abbey Yung Method isn’t to buy the most expensive products, but to use more budget-friendly options. If you can only afford to work in three products, do that. If you have the time and the budget to do the full 11-step routine, do it. The method is meant to work for you, you aren’t meant to work for the method.

Give It Time

Great hair takes time. You won’t see results instantly, but you will over time. If you don’t see a difference after one wash day, don’t give up.

Final Thoughts: Consistency Is Key

More than anything, it’s important to remain consistent with your hair care regimen. Use the products correctly and as often as needed to ensure you receive healthy hair in return. And don’t forget to visit the IPSY Shop to find all the hair care products you need to jumpstart your personalized routine.