A tidy row of hair care products—shampoos, oils, and treatments—might seem overwhelming, but TikTok’s favorite trichology enthusiast, Abbey Yung, has built a streamlined system that cuts through the clutter. Known for her evidence-based insights and budget-conscious product picks, Abbey’s approach—now dubbed The Abbey Yung Method—has become a holy grail for hair lovers tired of gimmicks and ready for real results.
This method doesn’t promise miracles overnight. Instead, it lays out a logical, customizable hair routine that prioritizes scalp health, hair integrity, and affordability. With millions of views and growing popularity, this method is turning routine haircare into a science-backed ritual.
What Makes the Abbey Yung Method Stand Out?
At its core, the Abbey Yung Method focuses on:
Supporting scalp health with targeted cleansers
Reinforcing hair bonds with proven treatments
Using affordable, effective drugstore products over luxury ones
The method is flexible and encourages personalization based on your hair’s unique needs—whether you’re dealing with oiliness, breakage, buildup, or all three.
Why Budget Hair Products Often Work Better Than Prestige Brands
According to Abbey, high price tags don’t always mean high performance. In fact, two unsung heroes of haircare—sulfates and silicones—are often missing in pricey “clean” brands, and that’s where they fall short.
Sulfates Get a Bad Rap—But They’re Often Necessary
Sulfates, like sodium lauryl sulfate, are deep-cleansing agents that help break down oil, styling product residue, and hard water buildup. When they’re removed, many so-called “gentle” shampoos fail to properly clean the scalp, which can lead to long-term buildup and limp, greasy hair.
Silicones Add Shine and Slip
While many high-end brands avoid silicones to appear more natural, these ingredients are excellent at coating the hair shaft, reducing friction, and locking in moisture. Without them, hair can feel dry, tangled, or look frizzy.
Abbey recommends embracing drugstore formulas that combine gentle sulfates with lightweight silicones for a cost-effective, science-driven approach to better hair.
Step-by-Step: The Abbey Yung Haircare Routine
Step 1: Pre-Wash Bond Repair (Optional, but Powerful)
Before jumping into shampooing, you can prep your strands with a bond-repairing spray like Array Bond Repair. This helps reinforce hair structure and protect from damage. Let it sit for 10–15 minutes, twice a week.
Step 2: Pre-Shampoo Oil Soak
To minimize damage and dehydration during the washing process, apply a silicone-rich oil like OGX Coconut Miracle Oil to your lengths and ends. Let it soak in for about 20 minutes before shampooing. This step is especially helpful for dry or high-porosity hair types.
Step 3: Shampoo Strategy
There’s no one-size-fits-all here. Tailor your routine based on how often you wash and what your scalp needs.
Clarify once a week with shampoos like Pantene Sheer Volume, L’Oreal Clarify, or Way Detox to eliminate buildup.
Daily or routine washes can be done with gentler shampoos like Dove Intensive Repair or L’Oreal Bond Repair.
If you have scalp concerns, include a medicated option like CeraVe Anti-Dandruff or Head & Shoulders in the mix.
Step 4: Bond Repair Post-Wash
After rinsing out shampoo, apply a bond-repair treatment like K18 or Redken Acidic Bonding Concentrate. Let it work its magic for 5–10 minutes, once a week. These treatments rebuild broken keratin bonds and are especially helpful for color-treated or heat-damaged hair.
Quick Overview Chart
|
Step |
What You Do |
Frequency |
Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
|
1. Clarifying Shampoo |
Use sulfate or chelating shampoo to remove buildup |
1× per week |
Clears follicles and preps scalp for treatment |
|
2. Pre-Shampoo Oil |
Apply silicone-rich oil to ends before washing |
1–2× per week |
Protects lengths and reduces breakage |
|
3. Targeted Chelating |
Use an EDTA-based shampoo for mineral-heavy water or after swimming |
Every 2–3 weeks |
Prevents mineral buildup and dullness |
|
4. Everyday Shampoo |
Rotate between gentle and medicated shampoos as needed |
As needed |
Keeps scalp balanced without stripping moisture |
|
5. Conditioner or Mask |
Use a rich conditioner with proteins or silicones |
Every wash |
Smooths, hydrates, and strengthens cuticle |
|
6. Leave-In & Heat Protect |
Spray a leave-in mist and apply thermal protectant before heat styling |
Every wash |
Maintains moisture and prevents heat damage |
|
7. Scalp Serums |
Apply ingredients like peptides or minoxidil at night on clean scalp |
3–7× per week |
Stimulates growth and extends growth cycle |
|
8. Low-Stress Styling |
Avoid tight styles; use silk scrunchies, low heat tools (<300°F) |
Daily |
Minimizes mechanical stress and supports retention |
Final Thoughts: Simplicity Over Hype
The Abbey Yung Method cuts through the marketing noise. It’s not about the latest trend or the most luxurious product—it’s about understanding what your hair needs and meeting those needs with consistency and intention.
By combining smart cleansing with strategic treatments and budget-friendly products, Abbey makes it clear: You don’t need to splurge to see your hair thrive. Her method proves that scalp-first routines, proper cleansing, and protective conditioning can transform your hair—no expensive salon visits required.
Try It for Yourself
Experiment with her blueprint, tweak it based on how your hair reacts, and track progress over a few weeks. You might just find that your best hair day starts in the drugstore aisle.
