After years of dying and damaging my hair (platinum blonde is not my look), I knew my routine needed a serious reset.
I always shopped for the nice-smelling shampoos and conditioners while ignoring the products actually formulated to improve the look and health of my hair.
So, when the Abbey Yung Method started flooding my social media, I took it as a sign to finally give my hair the attention it deserves.
TikTok sent me down a rabbit hole of conflicting hair advice, but certified trichologist Abbey Yung cleared the noise with a step-by-step, science-backed routine that gave me all the information I needed to start.
The method she lays out prioritizes repair and length retention, which my hair definitely needed after lots of harsh bleaching.
While this routine has limitless combinations — customizable by hair type, goals, and product preferences — the sheer number of steps (up to 11 or more) can make building a consolidated routine overwhelming.
I’ve deep-dived into Abbey Yung’s entire feed, absorbing every video where she breaks down everything from hair oils to bond builders, until I finally cracked the code for my own hair.
While she’s naturally tweaked and evolved her lineup over time, I’ve spent the last few months testing and perfecting this streamlined, realistic version of her routine. The best part is, her recommendations are affordable, easy-to-find products — not some exclusive formula you can only buy through her TikTok shop or some link on her site.
Keep reading until the end to see my dramatic before and after.
If your hair is damaged, dry, or prone to tangling, this step is your first line of defense. A pre-shampoo oil protects your hair, boosts manageability and cuts down on breakage from wash-induced friction.
On days when my hair feels extra brittle, I apply the OGX Nourishing + Coconut Milk Anti-Breakage Serum about 20 minutes before hopping in the shower. Abbey recommends three different oils for this step, but this OGX serum is the sweet spot for normal hair (not too fine, not too thick).
The payoff? Post-wash hair that feels instantly softer, smoother, and incredibly hydrated. One crucial rule, though: skip the oil whenever you’re using the bond repair treatment below.
Next up is a clarifying or deep-cleaning shampoo to strip away excess product buildup, scalp oils, and hard water deposits. I swear by the OUAI Detox Shampoo. Because I have an oily scalp, I absolutely love that squeaky-clean feeling it delivers.
My hair tends to get oily the day after a wash no matter what I do, so I use this as a pre-wash before my regular shampoo about twice a week to banish the stubborn oil.
Next in the Abbey Yung lineup is a non-clarifying shampoo, ideally one that strengthens or tackles a specific hair concern. I went with the L’Oreal Bond Repair Shampoo to help rebuild bonds broken by coloring and heat styling. I absolutely love the creamy, milky texture; it adds a hit of hydration that leaves my hair feeling incredibly soft.
Hitting the sweet spot for normal scalps (not too dry, not too oily), it packs a thorough clean without stripping that makes it my staple for every single wash.
Pro-tip: The “lather, rinse, repeat” directions on the shampoo bottle are actually beneficial, but not for the magical reasons people claim on TikTok. We all tend to rush through washing our hair, so lathering up twice is just an insurance policy to guarantee your scalp is completely clean. Think of it as a double cleanse — just for your hair, not your face.
Of all the bond repair options out there, the post-shampoo step offers the most flexibility. I went with the L’Oreal Bond Repair. It’s technically a pre-shampoo concentrate, but Abbey suggests using it after you shampoo, treating it like a 5-minute mask. I completely agree.
By penetrating the hair cortex — the thickest middle layer of the hair shaft, making up about 80% to 90% of your hair’s total mass — to strengthen broken protein chains, it literally rebuilds your hair from the inside out.
I was sold after my first few uses in the sweltering New Orleans humidity; my hair stayed totally frizz-free and tangle-less. Now, after a few months of consistent use, my texture is completely transformed with smoother cuticles and heavily masked split ends.
Step 5: Conditioning — Part 1: The At-Home Gloss
Abbey Yung recommends using at least one conditioning treatment with every wash, whether that’s a conditioner, gloss, hair mask, or a combination of two.
The L’Oreal Bond Repair Conditioner might just be the crown jewel of this routine. I reach for it once or twice a week, usually right before the weekend or an event when I want to look my best. It delivers that coveted, salon-quality “glass hair” shine at an insanely affordable price.
The at-home gloss gives my hair the same glass shine that I get from a professional one, and, although it’s not as long-lasting, it at least lasts until my next wash — for an insanely affordable price.
While it doesn’t have the permanence of a professional treatment, it comfortably lasts until my next wash. If you have dull, color-treated hair, this physically smooths the texture, so it actually reflects light.
Part 2: Conditioner
The second conditioner I use is L’Oreal’s Bond Repair Conditioner, which completes the EverPure Bond Strengthening Set.
Although Abbey recommends this conditioner for coarse, thick hair, my dense, thin hair absolutely drinks it up.
The formula is thick, creamy and ridiculously hydrating. Even on days when I skip the gloss and use this solo, my hair still feels intensely smooth and moisturized.
When your hair’s in its wet and fragile state, a leave-in conditioner with heat protectant is a non-negotiable step in your routine.
In the most simplified version of the method, Abbey Yung recommends a shampoo, conditioner, and this leave-in as the only necessary products.
She says the L’Oreal 21-in-1 Moisture Spray is “the most conditioning drugstore option” for those with damaged hair that feel like light leave-ins aren’t hydrating enough.
Post-shower, I apply this product religiously to combat my dry, easily tangled hair. After using it, my hair easily detangles and is protected from breakage when brushing.
The final step is all about between-wash maintenance. While there are plenty of extra steps you could add here, my hair is really only concerned with two things: conditioning and sealing in the style. This mist does both.
A recent addition to my lineup, the OGX Dry Oil Mist is incredibly lightweight and never weighs my hair down. It adds brilliant shine, smooths down split ends, and actively hydrates my dry lengths. The ultimate proof? After using it for the very first time, I had multiple people asking me if I had just gotten my hair done that same day.
Before and After:
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