The Abbey Yung Method — complete step-by-step hair care routine guide
The Abbey Yung Method
A structured approach to stronger, healthier and longer hair through strategic cleansing, repair, conditioning and protection.
What is the Abbey Yung Method?
The Abbey Yung Method has become one of the most widely referenced modern hair care frameworks because it focuses on preventing damage rather than simply reacting to it.
The philosophy is built on six pillars:
The result: hair that looks healthier, feels stronger and is able to retain more length over time.
Pre-Shower
Prepare hair before washing
In-Shower
Cleanse, repair and condition
Post-Shower
Protect from damage
Between Washes
Maintain day-to-day health
The Abbey Yung Method is built on six core pillars that work together to create healthier, stronger hair over time.
The Complete Routine
Eleven steps organized across four phases. You do not need every step — start with the core four and build from there.
Pre-Shampoo Bond Repair Treatment
Applied before washing, this step strengthens weakened bonds before they are further stressed by water and cleansing.
Pre-Shampoo Oil Treatment Optional
A protective layer that reduces moisture loss during washing. Particularly useful for dry, porous or color-treated hair.
Clarifying Shampoo
One of the most important—and most overlooked—steps. A clarifying shampoo removes what a regular shampoo cannot.
Non-Clarifying Shampoos
Used after clarifying, or on standard wash days. Cleanses the scalp and creates the right environment for healthy hair growth.
Medicated Shampoos Optional
Medicated shampoos are an optional scalp-focused step used when dealing with dandruff, itching, flaking, irritation or scalp conditions. They can replace or be used alongside regular shampoo depending on product directions, but they are not necessary for everyone.
Use medicated shampoos according to product directions. For persistent scalp irritation, dandruff or inflammation, consider speaking with a healthcare professional.
In-Shower Bond Repair Treatment
Targets the internal structure of the hair shaft. Left on while conditioning to maximize penetration and repair.
| Product | Best for | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| K18 | Severe damage | Every few weeks |
| Redken ABC | Moderate damage | Weekly |
| L’Oréal EverPure | Budget-friendly repair | Weekly |
| Garnier Hair Filler | Affordable strengthening | Weekly |
Conditioning
The conditioning phase has three distinct tools depending on what your hair needs that day.
Gloss Treatments
Shine, smoothness and frizz reduction
Conditioner
Daily hydration, slip and manageability
Hair Masks
Deep hydration and intensive repair
Post-Wash Bond Repair Optional
Some bond repair formulas are designed to work after washing, when the hair is cleansed and ready to absorb active ingredients.
Leave-In Conditioner + Heat Protection
The single most skipped step in most routines — and one of the most impactful. Applying before drying and styling creates a protective barrier that dramatically reduces damage from heat and mechanical stress.
Styling Products Optional
Hair growth and styling are not mutually exclusive. The right styling products add texture or volume without compromising hair health. Depending on the finish you want, product types to consider include texture sprays, volume sprays, mousses and root lifters.
Style Sealers
The finishing step. Serums, creams and oils reduce frizz, improve shine and seal the hair cuticle to protect ends throughout the day.
Serums
Creams
Oils
Between-Wash Care
Maintain hair health between washes with targeted conditioning, fresh heat protection before hot tools, and dry shampoo when the roots need refreshing. One featured example from each category is shown below.
Conditioning treatments
Apply a leave-in conditioner or a small amount of lightweight oil to dry lengths and ends when needed.
Heat protection
Reapply heat protection before using hot tools, even when styling between wash days.
Dry shampoo
Use sparingly to refresh the roots and extend a style, not to replace proper cleansing.
Do you need every step?
No. The full method is a framework — not a mandatory checklist. Most people only need the core four to see a significant improvement in hair health.
The core routine
Everything else can be layered in based on your specific situation:
Build your personalized routine
Not sure which products fit your hair type? Get a tailored Hair Growth Hub routine based on your goals, hair type and budget.
Hair Growth Hub is independently researched and reader-supported. Product recommendations are based on ingredient research, formulation quality, published evidence and overall suitability for the Abbey Yung Method—not on sponsorships.
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Hair Growth Hub is not affiliated with Abbey Yung. The Abbey Yung Method is discussed for educational purposes only, with full credit given to Abbey Yung for developing the original methodology.