The Abbey Yung Method
Your Complete Guide to the Viral Haircare Routine Taking Over TikTok
The viral Abbey Yung method has become one of the most talked about haircare routines on TikTok and across social media. If you’re looking for glossy, shiny hair that, crucially, is also healthy, you’ve probably come across this method already.
Promoted by Abbey Yung, a certified trichologist known for science-backed advice, the routine focuses on strengthening hair, reducing mechanical damage, and improving scalp health through a structured wash day system.
Unlike quick fix trends that promise instant transformation, Abbey’s method is built around consistency, bond repair products, and protecting hair from chemical treatments and heat style damage. It has gained traction among users with fine hair, colour-treated hair, very damaged hair, and even curly hair.
There are countless videos out there, both from Abbey herself and from others recreating her method. Even still, it can seem overwhelming if you’re starting at the very beginning of trying to take damaged hair to glossy.
We’ve broken down the steps, product recommendations, optional steps depending on hair types, and where to shop similar products, so you can see if Abbey Yung’s method will work for you too.
What Is the Abbey Yung Method?
The Abbey Yung method is a structured wash day routine that focuses on repairing and protecting the hair shaft while maintaining scalp health. Abbey’s method prioritises:
- Pre-wash bond repair treatment
- Deep cleaning with the right shampoo
- Strategic conditioning
- Post-wash bond repair
- Heat protection
- Ongoing oil treatment and maintenance
The viral Abbey Yung method stands out because it treats haircare as a system rather than a random collection of products. It addresses mechanical damage from brushing and styling, chemical treatments such as bleach or colour, and heat damage from hot tools.
In our guide, we’ve picked out products that you can buy in the UK for the Abbey Yung method – some of which are verified by the brands themselves.
Step by Step Guide to the Abbey Yung Method
Step 1: Pre Wash Bond Repair Treatment
Before shampooing, Abbey recommends applying a pre-wash bond repair treatment to dry hair. This step targets internal hair bonds that may have been weakened by colouring, bleaching, or heat style routines.
Bond repair products help reinforce the hair structure and reduce breakage over time. Apply to dry hair and leave on for the recommended time before washing.
Great option products include:
- Olaplex No 3 Hair Perfector
- K18 Leave In Molecular Repair Hair Mask
- Redken Acidic Bonding Concentrate
For those on a student budget, look for high street bond repair treatments in Boots or Superdrug. Many brands now offer more affordable alternatives.
Step 2: Double Cleanse for Scalp Health
The next step focuses on scalp health and deep cleaning. Abbey often recommends double shampooing, especially if you use dry shampoo, hair oil, or styling products regularly. We know, we often ignore the directions on the shampoo bottle to rinse and repeat too – saves money, right? But this time, it’s worth it!
The first cleanse removes surface buildup. The second cleanse properly cleans the scalp.
Options may include:
- A medicated shampoo if you struggle with dandruff or irritation
- Head and Shoulders for scalp maintenance
- A clarifying shampoo once a week for deep cleaning
If you have colour-treated hair or fragile hair, choose sulphate free formulas that still cleanse effectively without stripping moisture.
Step 3: Conditioning Product Focused on Lengths
After shampooing, apply a conditioning product only to the mid lengths and ends. Avoid the scalp unless the formula specifically states it supports scalp health.
Hair masks can replace regular conditioner once a week, especially for very damaged hair or dry hair.
Look for:
- Hydrating masks for curly hair
- Lightweight conditioners for fine hair
- Protein balanced formulas for chemically treated strands
Dove Intensive Repair and Living Proof Restore ranges are often recommended as accessible options.
Step 4: Post Wash Bond Treatment
One of the most important parts of Abbey’s method is post-wash bond repair. This is different from the pre-wash treatment. It works on towel-dried hair and helps strengthen strands after cleansing.
Apply to towel-dried hair before other styling products. Focus on areas prone to breakage.
Post-wash bond repair helps reduce long term damage and is especially useful for colour-treated hair and those who regularly heat style.
Step 5 Leave In Conditioner
After bond repair, use a leave-in conditioner to support moisture retention and protect against environmental damage.
Leave-in conditioner helps detangle wet hair and reduce mechanical damage from brushing.
Choose based on hair types:
- Lightweight spray for fine hair
- Cream formula for curly hair
- Extra hydrating leave-in for dry hair
Apply to towel-dried hair evenly before combing through.
Step 6 Heat Protectant Every Time
Heat protection is non negotiable in Abbey’s method. Whether you blow dry, curl, or straighten, a heat protectant is essential.
Heat style damage is one of the biggest contributors to breakage and split ends. Heat protectant forms a barrier between your hair and hot tools.
Look for products that offer protection up to at least 200 degrees Celsius. Many leave-in conditioners now include heat protection, but if yours does not, add a separate heat protectant layer.
Step 7 Oil Treatment for Ongoing Maintenance
Hair oil is used strategically rather than excessively. Abbey often recommends a small amount on the ends once hair is dry.
Oil treatment can:
- Add shine
- Reduce frizz
- Protect against dryness
The coconut miracle oil penetrating oil range is a popular budget option. Use only a little bit to avoid greasiness, especially for fine hair.
Step 8 Dry Shampoo and Refresh Days
Between wash days, dry shampoo can help extend clean hair without over washing. However, buildup should be properly removed on wash day.
Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Dry Shampoo is often highlighted for effectively absorbing oil without heavy residue.
Remember that dry shampoo is not a replacement for washing. It is a short term refresh tool.
Optional Steps Depending on Hair Needs
Abbey’s method includes optional steps depending on your specific haircare routine.
Scalp Treatments
If you struggle with flaking or irritation, incorporating medicated shampoo or scalp serums may help.
Hair Masks
Use weekly for dry hair or after chemical treatments.
Protein Treatments
Useful for very damaged hair but should not be overused.
Protective Styling
Reducing mechanical damage through loose braids or low tension styles can support hair growth.
Who Is the Abbey Yung Method For?
The viral Abbey Yung method works well for:
- Colour-treated hair
- Fragile hair
- Fine hair prone to breakage
- Curly hair needing moisture balance
- Students who heat style frequently
It may not suit those who prefer ultra minimal routines or who rarely use heat tools.
Where to Shop Products
Students looking to try Abbey’s method can shop at:
- Boots
- Superdrug
- Lookfantastic
- Cult Beauty
- Amazon
Many of Abbey’s product recommendations are available in the UK. Always compare prices and look for student discounts.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should you follow the Abbey Yung method?
Most people use it on every wash day. For many students, that means two to three times per week.
Does it work for curly hair?
Yes. Curly hair can benefit from bond repair products and leave-in conditioner. Focus on moisture balance and avoid overusing protein.
Can you skip the pre-wash bond repair treatment?
It is optional if your hair is healthy. However, for colour-treated hair or very damaged hair, it is a key step.
Is double shampooing necessary?
If you use dry shampoo or styling products regularly, double cleansing supports scalp health and deep cleaning.
Is it suitable for fine hair?
Yes. Choose lightweight formulas and use only a small amount of oil treatment to avoid weighing hair down.
Does it help with hair growth?
The method does not directly cause faster growth, but reducing mechanical damage and breakage can help hair retain length.
Can you use drugstore products?
Absolutely. Many affordable alternatives provide similar heat protection and bond repair benefits.
Why the Abbey Yung Method Became Viral
The viral Abbey Yung method gained popularity on TikTok because it offers structured guidance rather than vague advice. Social media users shared before and after results showing stronger, shinier hair over time.
Unlike quick hacks, Abbey’s method focuses on long term consistency and science based practices. As a certified trichologist, Abbey Yung explains the reasoning behind each step, which appeals to users who want to understand their own hair rather than blindly follow trends.
Abbey’s method is not about perfection or buying every expensive product. It is about building a strategic haircare routine that protects clean hair from damage and strengthens it over time.
For students balancing budgets, heat styling, and colour treatments, this structured approach can be a great option. By focusing on bond repair products, heat protectant, leave-in conditioner, oil treatment, and proper scalp health, you can support stronger, healthier hair without constant salon visits.
The key is consistency, not excess. Choose products suited to your hair types, protect against heat style damage, and treat wash day as an opportunity to reset and strengthen your own hair for the week ahead.
