Everything you need to know about the TikTok-trending Abbey Yung hair routine

• January 22 2026
• 11 min reading time

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The Abbey Yung method It is a thoughtful, scientifically based hair routine - developed by the American hair specialist Abbey Yung. The hair routine focuses on scalp care and the repair of damaged hair. We have seen the Abbey Yung method so often on social media that we had to take a closer look! In this blog, we explain the Abbey Yung method step by step.

Why is everyone talking about the Abbey Yung method? 

The popular method was developed by Abbey Yung, a content creator who shares her scientifically based view on hair care via social media. Instead of following trends, she explains why certain products and routines do or do not work. She debunks hair myths such as the idea that you should only wash your hair once a week.

Other content creators apply the Abbey Yung method and share online the positive results of their healthier hair, less damage, and better manageable hair. This causes the method to be widely tried. On TikTok, the routine regularly goes viral, with videos where content creators show their hair transformation.

 

What is the Abbey Yung method? 

The Abbey Yung Method is a hair care routine consisting of 11 steps, divided into four phases. The goal? Healthy, restored, strong, and shiny hair. The Method is especially effective for people with damaged hair (bleached hair or high porosity). You can use the routine flexibly; some steps are essential and some are optional.

 

What are the 4 phases of the Abbey Yung method?

Note: The steps marked with ‘*’ are optional and used if needed. 

 

Pre-shower (before washing) 

1. Pre-shampoo Bond Repair Treatment* (1 to 2 times per week)

2. Pre-shampoo Oil treatment* (when extra care is needed)

 

In-shower (during washing) 

1. Shampoo 

1. Clarifying shampoo (once a week) 

2. Non-clarifying shampoo (as often as needed)

3. Medical shampoo* (as often as needed if you have a specific scalp problem) 

2. Bond Repair Treatment (varies per treatment) 

3. Conditioning (choose 1 or 2 per wash)

1. Gloss treatment

2. Conditioner (always)

3. Mask 

Post-shower (after washing)

1. Leave in Bond Repair Treatment* (1 to 2 times per week)

2. Leave-in conditioner & heat protection (after every wash) 

3. Styling* (as often as needed) 

4. Style sealers* (as often as needed)

1. Serum

2. Lotion/cream

3. Oil

Between-wash (in between washes)

1. Conditioning treatment or hair oil* 

2. Heat protection* (if you use heat tools)

3. Dry shampoo* 

The Abbey Yung method step by step (the routine):

Step 1: Pre-Shampoo Bond Repair Treatment *optional

• Use a bond repair treatment before washing.

• Why this step works: Bond repair addresses damage on a deeper level than a “regular” mask. Bond repair products are specially developed to help restore the internal hair bonds (the ‘bridges’ in your hair). 

• Optional: This step is optional; the point is that according to the Abbey Yung Method you use a Bond Repair treatment, but you can also use this in a later step!

• Product recommended by Abbey: Redken Acidic Bonding Concentrate Pre-Treatment
  

 

Step 2: Pre-wash oil treatment *optional 

• Use a hair oil on the lengths and ends before washing.

• Why this step works: An oil treatment helps retain moisture and prevents the hair from drying out too much during washing. Especially dry or frizzy hair can benefit from this.

• Optional: Only needed when your hair can use extra care. If you have fine hair or your hair gets greasy quickly, you can skip this step.

• Product recommended by Abbey: Urban Care Argan Oil & Keratin Pre Hairmask

Step 3: Clarifying Shampoo

• Use a clarifying shampoo at least once a week.

• Why this step works: A clarifying shampoo removes stubborn product buildup and excess sebum, allowing care products to work better.

• Product recommended by Abbey: Living Proof Clarifying Detox Shampoo

Step 4: Non-Clarifying Shampoo

• Cleanse the scalp with a shampoo that suits your hair type and scalp condition.

• Why this step works: A clean scalp is the foundation for healthy hair. By removing dirt, sebum, and product residue, the scalp can stay better balanced.

• Product recommended by Abbey: Redken Acidic Bonding Shampoo

Step 4 continued: Medical Shampoo *Optional

• Use a medical shampoo if you suffer from a specific scalp problem.

• Why this step works: Medical shampoos are developed to specifically address issues such as dandruff, itching, or an irritated scalp.

• Optional: Only needed when you actually experience scalp problems.

• Product recommended by Abbey: Mediceuticals X-Folate Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

Step 5: Bond Repair treatments

• Use a bond repair treatment during or after washing every few weeks. 

• Why this step works: This treatment helps repair damaged hair bonds and strengthens the hair from within.

• Product recommended by Abbey: K18 Leave-In Molecular Repair Hair Mask

Step 6 Conditioning: 

• Always use 1 conditioning product after washing (at least gloss treatment, conditioner, or hair mask). If needed (in case of extreme damage) you can use gloss+conditioner, gloss+mask, or conditioner+mask.

• Why this step works: Conditioning helps to close the hair cuticles, making the hair feel softer, easier to comb, and less prone to moisture loss. This step is essential to restore balance to the hair after washing.

• Products recommended by Abbey: 

• Gloss treatment: Redken Acidic Gloss Activated Gloss Treatment

• Conditioner: Redken Acidic Bonding Concentrate Conditioner

• Hair mask: Wella Fusion Repair Mask
  

 

Step 7: Leave-in Bond Repair Treatment *Optional

• Use a leave-in bond repair treatment after washing.

• Why this step works: This leave-in offers extra repair and protection without rinsing out.

• Optional: Not necessary after every wash; 1 to 2 times per week is sufficient. 

• Product recommended by Abbey: Living Proof Triple Bond Complex

Step 8: Leave-in Conditioner & Heat Protection 

• Use a leave-in conditioner and heat protection after every wash.

• Why this step works: The leave-in hydrates and makes hair easier to comb, while heat protection helps prevent damage from blow-drying or styling tools.

• Product recommended by Abbey: Redken One United Elixir All-In-One Spray

Step 9: Styling 

• This step is completely optional and depends on your personal preference.

• Why this step works: Styling products help shape your hair and give the desired texture or hold. 

• Styling products recommended by Abbey:

• Living Proof Full Dry Volume & Texture Spray

• K18 Astrolift Volume Spray

Step 10: Style sealers & serums *optional

• When your look is exactly how you want it, finish with a sealer. This is the final thin layer that provides shine, frizz control, and keeps your result intact longer.

• Serum: Apply a few drops of serum to the lengths and ends of your hair. Rub it well between your hands first and then lightly smooth it through your hair for a beautiful shine.

• Lotion/cream: If you still see some frizz or want extra softness, add a small amount of lotion or styling cream. Work again from the lengths to the ends.

• Hair oil: Finish if desired with 1-2 drops of oil, especially on the ends. This provides extra nourishment and makes your hair super shiny.

• Products recommended by Abbey: 

• Redken Acidic Bonding Night & Day Serum

• Bumble & Bumble Hairdresser's Invisible Oil

• Living Proof No Frizz Vanishing Oil

Step 11: Between-Wash Care 

• Abbey Yung emphasizes that good hair care doesn’t stop after washing. Between washes, you can easily refresh your hair with a dry shampoo or light spray.

• Why this step works: Between washes, your hair can quickly feel greasy or flat. Dry shampoo removes excess oil and adds volume without weighing your hair down. This helps keep your look fresh and styled for longer.

• Product recommended by Abbey: Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Clean Dry Shampoo 
  
  

 

For which hair type is the TikTok Viral Abbey Yung method? 

The Abbey Yung method was originally developed for hair that is dry, damaged, or weakened. The focus is on restoring the hair structure, improving scalp condition, and adding sufficient hydration. Especially hair that has been exposed to heat, bleaching, or other chemical treatments can benefit greatly from this routine.

Is your hair not severely damaged? Then the Abbey Yung method is still a very good way to get healthier, fuller, and shinier hair! Just follow the essential steps and skip the optional ones. 

That said: with a few smart adjustments, the Abbey Yung method is also very well applicable to hair with waves or curls. It mainly involves choosing the right products and adjusting the amount and order to the specific needs of wavy and curly hair.

Do I have to follow every step of the Abbey Yung method?

Not necessarily! The Abbey Yung method is flexible and adaptable to your hair needs. While most steps are essential for the repair and maintenance of your hair, some are optional depending on your hair type and condition.

 

How long does it take before you see results?

The Abbey Yung method needs time to do its work. You will after 1–2 weeks notice a difference, especially in the condition of your hair and scalp. However, the full recovery of damaged hair can 2-3 months last, depending on the extent of the damage.