How to Get Hair Out of Shower Drain Quickly and Easily

Clogged shower drains are one of the most common household plumbing issues—especially when hair buildup is the culprit. If your shower is draining slowly or water is pooling at your feet, chances are there’s a tangle of hair causing the blockage. At Clog Heroes in Fredericksburg, VA, we’ve helped homeowners tackle countless hair clogs, and we’re sharing exactly how to get hair out of shower drain systems—quickly and easily.

Whether you prefer DIY solutions or want to know when to call a professional, this guide will help keep your drain flowing free.

Why Hair Clogs Your Shower Drain So Easily

Before we cover how to get hair out of shower drain pipes, it helps to know why this problem happens so often. Shower drains are especially vulnerable to hair clogs because:

• Hair tangles around drain stoppers or crossbars

• Soap and conditioner create sticky residue that traps hair

• Long hair clumps together and builds up quickly

• Shaving adds tiny bits of hair that combine over time

Even with a drain screen, some hair inevitably slips through and forms blockages inside the pipe.

Step 1: Start With a Manual Hair Removal Tool

One of the easiest ways to get hair out of your shower drain is with a basic plastic drain cleaning tool—often called a hair snake or zip-it tool. These flexible, barbed tools are designed to grab tangled hair and pull it out without damaging your plumbing.

Here’s how to use one:

1. Remove the drain cover if needed (some pop off; others need a screwdriver).

2. Insert the tool into the drain and push it down gently.

3. Pull it out slowly—hair should come up with it.

4. Repeat several times until nothing more comes out.

5. Rinse the drain with hot water.

This simple tool is inexpensive and widely available at hardware stores or online.

Step 2: Try a Baking Soda and Vinegar Flush

Once you’ve removed the bulk of the hair, a natural drain cleaner can help loosen any remaining residue. Baking soda and vinegar create a fizzy reaction that breaks down buildup and deodorizes the drain.

To use this method:

1. Pour ½ cup of baking soda into the drain.

2. Follow with 1 cup of white vinegar.

3. Let the mixture fizz and sit for 15–30 minutes.

4. Flush with hot water to clear the loosened debris.

While this won’t dissolve large clumps of hair, it’s a good follow-up after manual cleaning.

Step 3: Use a Wet/Dry Vacuum for Stubborn Hair Clogs in Shower Drain

For more stubborn cases, a wet/dry shop vacuum can be surprisingly effective. It can pull up deep clogs when other methods fail.

Instructions:

1. Set the vacuum to the liquid setting.

2. Cover the overflow drain (if applicable) to focus suction.

3. Place the vacuum hose over the shower drain.

4. Create a tight seal using a rag if needed.

5. Turn it on and let it run for a few seconds.

The suction can pull out hair clumps lodged deeper in the pipe.

Step 4: Remove the Drain Stopper or Trap (If Necessary)

If hair continues to cause issues, you may need to remove the drain stopper or access the P-trap below the shower to manually clear the clog. This step can vary depending on your plumbing setup.

For a stopper:

• Unscrew or pull out the stopper mechanism.

• Use a flashlight to check for hair inside the pipe.

• Remove it with a gloved hand or pliers.

For a P-trap (in some showers with access):

• Place a bucket underneath.

• Unscrew the trap and remove debris manually.

• Reassemble and check for leaks.

If you’re not comfortable with this step, the pros at Clog Heroes can help.

Step 5: When to Call a Professional

Knowing how to get hair out of shower drain lines is useful—but some clogs are too deep or stubborn for DIY fixes. If you’ve tried the steps above and still have:

• Standing water in the shower

• Bad smells coming from the drain

• Frequent clogs returning within days

• Gurgling noises from nearby drains

…it’s time to call a plumber.

At Clog Heroes in Fredericksburg, VA, we specialize in fast, effective drain cleaning. Our professional equipment reaches clogs deep in your plumbing and clears them without harming your pipes. We also offer camera inspections to pinpoint hidden issues and prevent recurring problems.

Tips to Prevent Future Hair Clogs in Shower Drain

Once your drain is clear, the next step is keeping it that way. Here’s how to prevent future hair clogs:

• Use a drain hair catcher – Mesh or silicone strainers catch hair before it goes down.

• Clean the catcher weekly – Don’t let hair build up.

• Brush your hair before showering – Removes loose strands.

• Flush drains with hot water regularly – Helps dissolve minor buildup.

• Avoid greasy bath products – They increase residue in pipes.

Prevention is easier (and cheaper) than dealing with clogs after the fact.

Need Help? Call Clog Heroes in Fredericksburg, VA

Don’t let a slow-draining shower ruin your routine. If you’re tired of battling hair clogs, let the team at Clog Heroes handle it for you. We’re Fredericksburg’s trusted plumbing experts for all things drain-related, and we’re ready to help—fast.

Call today or book service online to keep your shower flowing clean and clear.