TikTok’s Abbey Yung method has gained millions of views, with followers praising her 11-step hair method for transforming damaged hair into glossy, long locks. The extensive routine includes everything from pre-wash bond treatments to post-styling sealers, with UK shoppers now able to access her full product lineup through major retailers.

However, Nate Abbott, hair growth expert and Chief Growth Officer at Lordhair, warns that while some steps in the TikTok Abbey Yung hair method are scientifically sound, others may be unnecessarily expensive additions that don’t deliver the promised results.

“Abbey Yung is a trained trichologist, so many of her recommendations are solid. But her routine is designed for severely damaged, high-porosity hair from bleaching and coloring. Most people following her method don’t actually need all 11 steps, and some could be wasting money on products that won’t benefit their hair type.”

The Abbey Yung hair method steps that may actually work:

✅ Weekly clarifying shampoo (Step 3)

Abbey’s hair method recommends using a clarifying shampoo at least once weekly, which Abbott confirms is essential for removing product buildup that can clog follicles and hinder growth. This step prevents the inflammation and scalp issues that can worsen hair loss. Products like Living Proof Clarifying Shampoo effectively remove hard water deposits and styling residue without over-stripping natural oils.

✅ Heat protection with every styling session (Step 8)

Abbey’s hair method places emphasis on sectioning hair and applying heat protectant to every strand is scientifically backed. Heat damage weakens hair structure and accelerates breakage, making thinning areas look more sparse. Her recommendation to use leave-in conditioners with heat protection, like Pureology Color Fanatic Multi-Tasking Leave-In Spray, provides necessary defense against thermal damage.

✅ Bond repair treatments for chemically processed hair (Steps 1, 5, 7)

For genuinely damaged hair from coloring or bleaching, Abbey’s multiple bond repair steps in her hair method using products like K18 and Eprès treatments can help strengthen hair structure. These products work by reconnecting broken protein bonds in the hair shaft, reducing breakage and improving hair flexibility. However, this only benefits hair that’s actually chemically damaged.

The Abbey Yung method steps that don’t work for most people:

❌ Using multiple bond repair products simultaneously

Abbey’s hair method recommends up to three different bond repair treatments in one routine (pre-wash Eprès, post-shampoo K18, and post-wash Living Proof). For most people, this is excessive and expensive. Unless your hair is severely bleached or chemically damaged, one bond treatment used correctly will deliver the same results as layering multiple products.

❌ Pre-shampoo oil treatments for everyone (Step 2)

While Abbey’s hair method suggests OGX coconut oil treatments before washing, this step only benefits people with very dry, coarse, or tangled hair. For those with fine hair, oily scalps, or less damaged hair, pre-shampoo oils can create buildup and make hair appear greasy even after washing. Many people can skip this step entirely without missing any benefits.

❌ Style sealers and heavy finishing products (Step 10)

Abbey’s hair method recommends lotions, creams, and oil serums after styling, but these can weigh down most hair types and create the very buildup that requires weekly clarifying. Unless you have extremely coarse, dry hair, these finishing products often make hair look limp and greasy rather than adding the promised shine and smoothness.

❌ Daily between-wash treatments (Step 11)

The hair method includes masks, serums, and additional treatments between wash days, but this level of product layering can actually stress hair and scalp more than help. Most healthy hair doesn’t need daily treatment products, and overuse can lead to product sensitivity and scalp irritation.

Why the method works for Abbey but may not work for others:

“Abbey has long, colored hair that falls into the high-porosity category, meaning it genuinely needs intensive moisture and repair treatments. Her method is essentially designed for hair like hers. But if you have shorter, less processed, or naturally healthy hair, following her exact routine could actually make your hair look worse due to product overload and buildup.”

Nate Abbott concludes:

“The Abbey Yung method contains some excellent foundational principles like regular clarifying, consistent heat protection, and appropriate bond repair for damaged hair. However, most people would get better results by selecting just 3-4 steps that match their actual hair condition rather than following the complete 11-step routine. Your hair type and damage level should determine which steps are necessary, not social media popularity.”

Warning signs your routine is causing damage:

Nate Abbott, hair growth expert and Chief Growth Officer at Lordhair, explains the warning signs that your daily routine has already caused damage and offers practical solutions for men who want to minimize further hair loss:

“Many men don’t realize their daily habits are causing problems until they notice significant thinning. But there are early warning signs that your routine is making things worse, and simple changes can prevent additional damage within weeks.”

Red flags that your daily habits are already causing damage:

🚩 Excessive hair on your pillow or shower drain. 

While losing 50-100 hairs daily is normal, finding clumps of hair on your pillow could indicate breakage from sleeping with wet hair or using rough pillowcases. Similarly, if you’re seeing more hair in the shower drain after switching to aggressive towel drying, that’s likely breakage rather than natural shedding.

🚩 Shorter broken hairs around your hairline. 

If you notice lots of short, broken hairs that stick up around your temples or crown, this usually indicates mechanical damage from tight hats, aggressive brushing, or rough styling. These broken pieces make thinning areas look much more sparse than they actually are.

🚩 Scalp irritation, itching, or flaking. 

Persistent scalp problems often indicate buildup from poor washing habits or bacterial growth from sleeping with wet hair. This inflammation can worsen existing hair loss patterns and make your scalp environment less healthy for hair growth.

How to minimize further damage starting today:

• Change your night routine first. This has the biggest immediate impact because you spend 8 hours every night either protecting or damaging your hair. Switch to a silk or satin pillowcase, ensure your hair is completely dry before bed, and avoid tight sleep caps or headbands that create pressure points.
• Adjust your washing and drying technique. Focus shampoo on your scalp rather than hair length, use lukewarm water, and gently press hair with a microfiber towel instead of rubbing. These changes reduce daily stress on hair shafts and can decrease breakage within 2-3 weeks.
• Evaluate your styling products and tools. If you’re using multiple heavy products daily, scale back and use a clarifying shampoo weekly. Replace any tight-fitting hats with looser options, and if you must use heat styling, always apply protection and use lower temperatures.

Abbott addresses common concerns about reversing damage:

“Men often ask if stopping these habits will make their hair grow back, but that’s not how it works. Genetic hair loss will continue regardless of your daily habits. However, eliminating unnecessary breakage and scalp irritation can make your existing hair look significantly fuller and healthier within 4-6 weeks. The goal is protecting what you have, not regrowing what genetics has taken away.”

This article was created at the WHN News Desk in collaboration with Deni Oxales on behalf of Nate Abbott, hair growth expert at Lordhair, providing high-quality hair systems to clients, while upholding the integrity of their manufacturing processes, using the latest innovative technologies to make sure clients are satisfied.

As with anything you read on the internet, this article should not be construed as medical advice; please talk to your doctor or primary care provider before changing your wellness routine. WHN neither agrees nor disagrees with any of the materials posted. This article is not intended to provide a medical diagnosis, recommendation, treatment, or endorsement. Additionally, it is not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, club, organization, company, individual, or anyone or anything. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. 

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