If you’ve dreamed of long, healthy hair but can’t seem to get the look, Abbey Yung, a certified trichologist and specialist in hair and scalp care, has got the answer. She’s come up with a system that has delivered promising results for many. The Abbey Yung Method, while lengthy, provides a flexible and affordable approach to caring for your hair—and a few of the steps are even optional. The popular beauty influencer has gone viral for her step-by-step method for nourishing your hair.

Women rave about the results, with comments on her Instagram post like “Abbey you’ve transformed my hair care routine (and saved me so much $$)” and “My hair has NEVER looked better!” The best part of this method? You’ll find most of the key products at your local drugstore for no more than $13. Here, we break down the Abbey Yung hair routine and the  products you can try to get your longest, healthiest locks yet. 

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Step 1: Pre-shampoo bond repair treatment strengthens strands

The first step in Abbey’s process comes before you even wash your hair. Our hair contains microscopic chemical bonds that can weaken and become damaged over time by chemical treatments, heat or coloring. To the rescue? Bond repair treatments, which solve the problem. Abbey’s affordable recommendations for this step include the Garnier Fructis Hair Filler Peptides Inner Fiber Repair Treatment ($9), OGX Repair & Protect Bond Protein Repair Pre-Shampoo Treatment ($13) or the  L’Oreal Paris EverPure Sulfate Free Bond Repair Pre Shampoo Treatment ($11). 

Step 2: Pre-shampoo oil treatment adds moisture

If your hair is extremely dry and damaged, applying an oil treatment at least 20 minutes before washing can be helpful—though it’s not a must. She also advises skipping this step if you plan on using a post-wash bond treatment. One of her affordable oil recommendations is the OGX Extra Strength Damage Remedy + Coconut Miracle Oil Penetrating Oil, for $8 a bottle. 

Step 3: Clarifying shampoo removes dirt and buildup

A good clarifying shampoo is the key to fresh and clean hair, and Abbey recommends using it once a week. Some of her recommendations include L’Oreal Paris Ever Pure Clarifying Shampoo with Vitamin C, Glycine ($10), Garnier Fructis Pure Clean Aloe Extract Fortifying Shampoo ($5) and Pantene Pro-V Volume & Body Shampoo ($6). 

Step 4: Use nonclarifying shampoo on other wash days

For your standard, nonclarifying shampoo, there are plenty to choose from that don’t cost you an arm and a leg, yet still provide benefits. Garnier Fructis Hair Filler Strength Repair Shampoo ($8), Dove Intensive Repair Damage Therapy Shampoo ($6) or L’Oreal Paris EverPure Sulfate Free Bond Repair Color Care Shampoo ($11) are all good options, according to Abbey.

Step 4: Medicated shampoos work well for those who need them

You can still care for dandruff and itching while healing your hair, as shampoos like Head & Shoulders Classic Clean Dandruff Shampoo ($8) fall within the Abbey Yung Method. 

Step 5: Bond repair treatments

Though the Abbey Yung method states that bond repair treatments can be used as the first step, she’s shared that she actually prefers to use the bond treatments listed above after shampooing once buildup has been removed so the product can penetrate deeper. Ultimately, it’s up to you!

Step 6: Conditioner is key, but it’s up to you which kind you want to use

Abbey Yung’s step 6 includes your choice of 3 products: glosses, standard conditioner and hair masks. Some affordable glosses she recommends: L’Oreal Paris EverPure Sulfate Free Hair Gloss Glossing Lamination Mask ($11) or L’Oreal Paris Elvive Hyaluron & Plump Flash Hydration Wonder Water ($12). For regular conditioners, she recommends Garnier Fructis Hair Filler Color Repair Squeeze Conditioner with Ceramide ($6) or Dove Bond Strength Damage Therapy Conditioner ($6). As for masks, Pantene Pro-V Miracle Rescue Intensive Bond Repairing Mask ($13) and Dove Intensive Repair 10-in-1 Serum Hair Mask ($11) are good options.

Step 7: Post-wash bond repair is helpful, but optional

For step 7, Abbey recommends Living Proof Triple Bond Complex Leave-in Hair Treatment, once or twice a week, but at $20, this step is optional. 

Step 8: Leave-in conditioners and heat protectants lock in moisture

After each wash, add in extra moisture and protect your hair from heat by applying a leave-in conditioner such as L’Oreal Paris EverPure 21-in-1 Leave In Conditioner Spray ($11) or Pantene Miracle Rescue 10-in-1 Multi Tasking Leave-in Hair Treatment ($13). 

Abbey Yung method steps and products are up to you

The detailed version of this method includes another three optional steps including styling products; style sealers like lotions, creams and oils; and between-wash products like dry shampoo and heat protectant. For the full detailed overview of each step and all of her product recommendations, you can see her breakdown here.

And since many of us aren’t willing to take on an 11-step haircare routine, Abbey took the time to simplify her method, breaking down the steps for those who might only want to buy three or four products. 

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