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By Adriana Diaz
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Beauty influencer and certified trichologist—a specialist in hair and scalp health—Abbey Yung offers a structured 11-step routine said to support healthier, shinier hair.
But her rising influence is sparking debates about whether her method is truly helpful, or just another content creator's cash grab.
Why it Matters
The Abbey Yung hair method has blown up as scalp care becomes one of the biggest beauty trends, consumers are increasingly following viral hacks and budgeting is booming.
Read More on Life
Yung’s routine emphasizes proven concepts like cleansing buildup, repairing damaged bonds and protecting strands from heat, with affordable drug store options.
However, some hairstylists are skeptical of Yung and her method claiming it's overcomplicated and does not address the root of the problem for many people: diet, nutrient deficiencies, stress, etc.
This divide touches on broader tensions of who should be considered an expert and give advice, especially when monetizing.
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What to Know
Yung’s viral routine breaks hair care into 11 steps: pre-wash prep, in-shower treatments, post-wash protection, styling and between wash care.
However, she promotes several variations of her method with the most basic only including a shampoo, conditioner or hair mask and leave-in conditioner with heat protection.
With each step, Yung suggests several approved products ranging in price. She offers viewers affiliate codes for products, but hair stylists also sell products they promote.
Part of Yung’s appeal is her rejection of “chemophobia”—the fear of ingredients like silicones or sulphates often propagated in online beauty circles—her wide array of affordable product options and the flexibility with which she suggests following her method.
However, not everyone agrees with the viral method.
What People Are Saying
Some experts argue the full 11 steps are overkill for most people and that only a handful of steps are scientifically supported for average hair needs.
They warn that layering too many treatments can build up residue or create unnecessary expense without clear benefits.
"Abbey’s 11-step routine is, in my professional opinion, excessive," according to trichologist Hannah Gaboardi, a Viviscal brand ambassador, in an interview with Marie Claire.
"As a trichologist, I see patients every day who invest in countless products because influencers promote complicated routines, yet these steps often do little for true hair health or hair growth,"
The expert approves of all of the steps individually, but warns against doubling up on bond repair products, questions the need for clarifying shampoo when less products are used and considers between-wash care is non-essential.
However, fans of Yung's method praise the results, often sharing before-and-after shots online.
The tension between influencer-led beauty guidance and scientifically proven professional expertise isn’t going away.
For now, experts suggest tailoring any routine to individual needs rather than following trends.
What to Try
Pre-Shampoo Bond Treatment:
Pre-Shampoo Oil Treatment:
- OGX Extra Strength Damage Remedy + Coconut Miracle Oil Penetrating Hair Oil
- OGX Renewing + Argan Oil of Morocco
Clarifying Shampoo:
Non-Clarifying or Medicated Shampoo:
Bond Repair Treatment:
Conditioning:
Post Wash Bond Repair Treatment:
Leave-in Conditioner and Heat Protection:
Styling:
Style Sealer:
Between-Wash Care:
- amika Midnight Mender
- Moroccanoil Perfect Defense Heat Protectant
- Not Your Mother's Clean Freak Unscented Dry Shampoo
Newsweek has reached out to Abbey Yung for comment via email. We could not verify the details of the case.
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