How to Get Hair Out of the Shower Drain: 11 Tips
You’ve probably been there—standing ankle-deep in water while taking a shower, realizing your shower drain is clogged with hair again. It’s one of those annoyances that creeps up on you slowly, whether it’s long locks, short strands, or even beard trimmings making their way down the drain.
At YES!, we understand how frustrating this situation can be. You need a quick, safe, and reliable fix that doesn’t involve harsh chemicals or unnecessary plumbing calls. That’s why we’ve put together this guide on how to get hair out of a shower drain—from simple DIY shower drain cleaners to smarter preventive options that keep clogs from coming back.
Whether you’re dealing with a few strands of hair or a full-on hair-clogged shower drain that’s backing up, these expert-approved methods will help you restore fast, clean drainage in no time.
How to Get Hair Out of the Shower Drain: 11 Top Tips
How to Get Hair Out of the Shower Drain: 11 Methods
When to Call a Plumber for a Clogged Drain
Preventing a Hair-Clogged Shower Drain
YES! Has Unclogged Thousands of Drains
How to Get Hair Out of the Shower Drain: 11 Methods
If your shower drain is clogged with hair, you’re not alone—it happens in nearly every household. Fortunately, there are plenty of safe and effective options for clearing the drain. From simple DIY fixes to professional-strength solutions, here are eleven proven ways to handle a hair-clogged shower drain and get water flowing freely again.
1. Try a Metal Hanger Hook
A classic DIY fix, this method helps you pull clumps of hair clogging a shower drain without requiring any special tools. Simply bend a hanger so that it forms a small hook at one end, then carefully insert it into the drain to collect tangled hair. Place the recovered hair onto a paper towel and toss it away when finished.
Although this method can be somewhat time-intensive, it’s safe for most drains and highly effective when performed gently. Be careful not to scratch metal or plastic fixtures when removing the clog. Do not use much force when pushing the hanger down into the drain, or you may puncture a hole in the drain pipe.
2. Use Your Hands (with Gloves On)
Sometimes the simplest fix works best—especially if the shower drain is clogged with hair near the surface. Put on a pair of rubber or disposable gloves, remove the drain cover if needed, and use your fingers to scoop or twist out the trapped hair. Just be sure to avoid pushing the clog deeper into the pipe.
3. Utilize a Drain Snake or Zip-It Tool
A drain snake or Zip-It tool is one of the most effective ways to remove hair clogging a shower drain deep below the surface. Insert the tool into the drain, twist or pull it upward to catch any tangled hair, and repeat this process until the clog is cleared. Rinse the drain with hot water afterward to flush away any residue.
This method is generally safe for most drains when used gently. Avoid forcing the tool too far down, as excessive pressure can damage older or PVC pipes.
4. Flush with Hot Water
If your shower drain isn’t fully blocked, run very hot (but not boiling) water for several minutes to loosen soap and hair buildup. It’s a safe and gentle method, although less effective for major clogs. This option is best used as a first step or for regular maintenance.
5. Use a Drain Brush or Old Toothbrush
A small brush can scrub away stubborn hair and residue inside the drain. Insert a drain brush—or an old toothbrush for smaller openings—and twist it to grab or loosen trapped hair. This method is safe and low-risk, making it ideal for light buildup and routine drain cleaning.
6. Try an Enzyme-Based Drain Cleaner
Drain cleaners aren’t usually a safe option for pipes. Fortunately, they’re not the only options. For a gentler approach, try an enzyme-based cleaner.
These products utilize natural enzymes and bacteria to break down organic buildup, including hair, soap, and oils. They’re generally safe for pipes and septic systems, but they also work slowly. Using this type of drain cleaner is best for maintenance or mild clogs rather than a quick fix.
7. Use a Plunger
A plunger can help dislodge a small hair clog by creating suction and pressure in the drain. Fill the shower base with enough water to cover the plunger’s rim, then plunge firmly several times. This method is safe for most drains, though excessive force can loosen older fittings.
8. Utilize the Wet/Dry Vacuum Trick
If you have a wet/dry vacuum, it can quickly pull out stubborn clogs. Set it to liquid mode, create a tight seal over the drain with a rubber attachment or towel, and turn it on briefly to suck out hair. This method is safe but messy, so wear gloves and eye protection.
9. Use Tweezers, Needle-Nose Pliers, or a Specialized Tool
For clogs close to the surface, tweezers or needle-nose pliers can grab hair that your fingers can’t reach. Remove the drain cover, grip visible strands, and pull them out carefully. This method is safe and precise, but avoid scraping metal parts to prevent scratching your fixtures.
10. Remove the Drain
When all else fails, the clog may be trapped deeper than tools can reach. Removing the drain provides full access to the pipe, allowing for the complete removal of hair and buildup. However, this job often requires special tools to unclog your shower drain and knowledge of your plumbing system.
It’s best to call a professional plumber from YES! for this one. A trained expert can safely remove the fixture, clear the blockage, and inspect for hidden damage—without risking cracked pipes or leaks.
11. Steer Clear of Baking Soda and Vinegar for Hair
You might have heard that a baking soda and vinegar mixture is a natural combo that can clear a hair-clogged shower drain, but it’s rarely effective, and we do not recommend using this method for hair clogs. Pouring baking soda followed by vinegar creates a fizzy reaction that can clear light soap or grease buildup, but doesn’t dissolve hair.
When to Call a Plumber for a Clogged Drain
Sometimes, even after trying multiple DIY fixes, you still can’t figure out how to get hair out of a shower drain completely. That’s when it’s time to call in a professional. A plumber can safely clear the clog and check for deeper issues that might be affecting your drainage system.
Call a plumber if:
Water drains slowly, even after multiple attempts to clean it
You notice gurgling sounds or unpleasant odors coming from the drain
DIY tools can’t reach the clog or keep getting stuck
You’ve tried enzyme-based products without success
Water backs up into other drains or fixtures
A professional plumber from YES! has the tools and expertise to remove stubborn drain clogs and restore your shower’s proper flow quickly and safely. We’re the plumbers that Nevada homeowners and Utah households trust.
Preventing a Hair-Clogged Shower Drain
Instead of constantly wondering how to get hair out of a shower drain, you can take steps to prevent clogs before they occur. Simple habits can make a big difference:
Use a drain hair catcher and clean it after each shower.
Brush your hair before bathing to reduce shedding.
Wash pets outdoors when possible.
Rinse drains weekly with hot water to prevent buildup.
Avoid rinsing excess conditioner or oils directly down the drain.
Schedule professional drain cleaning once a year for maintenance.
Teach household members how to clean and protect the drain.
YES! Has Unclogged Thousands of Drains
If you can’t clear your drain, call the pros at YES! for fast, same-day service across our local service areas. Our plumbers arrive on time, treat your home with care, and back every job with a satisfaction guarantee.
Ask about our financing options, Pro Service Plans, and current specials—we aim to make the process as easy as possible. You can also take a look at what your neighbors are saying about working with us.