Understanding Hair Shedding and Loss: Insights from Trichologist Abbey Yung
TikTok Hair Loss Hysteria: Understanding Shedding and Solutions
In recent months, hair shedding and loss have surged as trending topics on social media, particularly among twentysomethings on TikTok. Many users are expressing alarm over losing significant hair density, leading to a wave of misconceptions and self-diagnoses.
Abbey Yung, a certified trichologist, addressed these concerns in a recent interview with WWD. “We’ve all seen those videos claiming, ‘This shampoo will make your hair fall out,’” she said. “In reality, that’s not how hair loss works unless there’s an allergic reaction to a product.”
Yung explained that hair loss often stems from issues that occurred two to three months prior. While it’s normal for women to shed 50 to 100 hairs daily, excessive shedding—known as telogen effluvium—can be triggered by stress, weight loss, infections, surgeries, or postpartum changes.
Importantly, Yung clarified that hair shedding and hair loss are distinct conditions. “Shedding is cyclical,” she noted, emphasizing that many people experience increased shedding during certain times of the year. “That doesn’t necessarily indicate permanent hair loss.”
For those seeking remedies, Yung recommends consulting a doctor to rule out underlying health issues. If no internal problems are found, focusing on scalp health is crucial. Enter the Abbey Yung Hair Method, a comprehensive 11-step care strategy designed to nourish and support hair regrowth.
Having faced her own struggles with hair damage, Yung developed this viral method, which includes pre-shampoo treatments, in-shower care, and post-wash products. “The goal is to provide a flexible framework,” she explained, allowing individuals to tailor their routines based on personal preferences.
Key steps in Yung’s method include:
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Pre-Shampoo Bond Repair Treatment: Apply a bond repair treatment like Ogx Bond Protein Repair at least 10 minutes before washing.
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Pre-Shampoo Oil Treatment: Use an oil treatment to combat dryness and tangling, ensuring it’s not combined with a post-wash bond repair treatment.
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Clarifying Shampoo: Yung recommends using a clarifying shampoo weekly for deep cleaning.
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Non-Clarifying Shampoo: This can be medicated to alleviate itching or irritation.
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In-Shower Bond Repair Treatment: Use at least once a week if not applied before shampooing.
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Conditioning: Choose one or two conditioning products per wash day for optimal results.
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Post-Wash Bond Repair Treatment: Apply and wait at least 10 minutes before using leave-in conditioners or heat protectants.
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Styling Products: For those using heat tools, Yung suggests using dry sprays and styling sealers.
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Overnight Treatments: Incorporate oils or treatments between washes to manage dryness.
Yung’s collaboration with Ogx Beauty has resulted in a set of essentials now available at Target, including a Bond Protein Repair Heat Protect Spray, a One-Minute Treatment Mask, and a Coconut Miracle Oil.
As the conversation around hair loss continues to grow, Yung’s method offers a structured approach to hair care, empowering individuals to take control of their hair health while dispelling myths that have proliferated online.
