Understanding Hair Shedding and Loss: Insights from Trichologist Abbey Yung
The 11-Step Hair Care Method to Combat Hair Loss and Promote Regrowth
Hair Shedding and Loss: The TikTok Trend Sparking Misconceptions
In recent months, a wave of concern has swept across social media platforms, particularly TikTok, as twentysomethings share their alarming experiences with hair shedding and loss. Many claim to have lost significant hair density in a matter of weeks, igniting a frenzy of self-diagnoses and misconceptions about the causes of hair loss.
Abbey Yung, a certified trichologist, emphasizes that much of the information circulating online is misleading. “We’ve all seen those videos claiming, ‘This shampoo will make your hair fall out,’” she explains. “In reality, hair loss is more complex and usually tied to factors that occurred two to three months prior.”
According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association, it’s normal for women to lose between 50 to 100 hairs daily. However, excessive shedding, known as telogen effluvium, can be triggered by various factors, including stress, weight loss, infections, surgeries, and postpartum changes. Yung clarifies that hair shedding and hair loss are distinct conditions often conflated in online discussions. “Shedding is cyclical and can be temporary,” she notes, adding that while some forms of hair loss may cause increased shedding, it doesn’t always indicate permanent loss.
Understanding the 11-Step Hair Care Method
To combat hair loss and promote regrowth, Yung advocates for a comprehensive approach to scalp health, which she outlines in her newly launched 11-step hair care method. This method is designed to replenish and nourish hair follicles, offering a structured yet flexible routine for individuals seeking to improve their hair health.
Yung’s method begins with a pre-shampoo bond repair treatment, such as the OGX Bond Protein Repair, which should be applied at least 10 minutes before washing. “This step is crucial for preparing your hair for cleansing,” she advises. Following this, she recommends a pre-shampoo oil treatment to combat dryness and tangling.
In the shower, Yung emphasizes the importance of using a clarifying shampoo at least once a week to ensure deep cleaning. This should be followed by a non-clarifying shampoo and an in-shower bond repair treatment, which can be used weekly if not applied beforehand.
The conditioning phase includes glosses, conditioners, and masks, with Yung suggesting that users pick one or two products per wash day. “You can achieve great results with just one product, but some may prefer to mix and match,” she explains.
The Final Touches
Post-wash, Yung recommends applying a bond repair treatment and waiting at least 10 minutes before using leave-in conditioners and heat protectants. She advocates for leave-in conditioning sprays over creams or oils, as sprays allow for better distribution.
For those who style their hair with heat, Yung has included steps for applying styling products before and after heat exposure. Finally, she suggests overnight treatments and oils to manage dryness and tangling between washes.
Yung’s collaboration with OGX Beauty has resulted in a new line of products designed to support her 11-step method, now available at Target. The collection includes the Bond Protein Repair Heat Protect Spray, Bond Protein Repair One-Minute Treatment Mask, and Extra Strength Damage Remedy + Coconut Miracle Oil Penetrating Oil.
Conclusion
As the conversation around hair shedding and loss continues to grow, it’s essential to separate fact from fiction. Abbey Yung’s method offers a structured approach to hair care, empowering individuals to take control of their hair health while debunking common myths perpetuated online. For those experiencing hair loss, consulting a healthcare professional is the first step toward understanding and addressing the issue effectively.
