How to Get Hair Out of Drain – Quick Fix That Actually Works

Clumps of hair can turn a working drain into a slow, smelly mess. Whether it’s your shower, sink, or tub, getting that gunk out doesn’t have to be a headache. 

This quick guide walks you through easy ways to remove hair from your drain and get water flowing again.

How to Get Hair Out of Drain?

Use a drain snake, baking soda and vinegar, or hot water to remove hair clogs. These quick, low-cost methods work without harsh chemicals or pipe damage.

Key Takeaways:

• Hair clogs form from hair, soap scum, and oil buildup.
• Drain snakes, baking soda, tweezers, and hot water are easy DIY fixes.
• Avoid harsh chemicals and metal hangers to protect your pipes.
• Prevent clogs with drain covers, hot water flushes, and brushing before showers.
• Call a plumber if DIY methods don’t clear the clog.

Why Hair Clogs Happen

Hair loves to hang out where it shouldn’t—like your drain. Every time you shower or shave, loose strands slide down and tangle up with soap scum and oil.

It builds up fast. Over time, this combo turns into a sticky mat that water can’t get past.

Long hair? Curly hair? Doesn’t matter. Even short hair clumps when there’s enough of it. And if you’ve got pets, add fur to the equation.

The kicker? Most drains aren’t built to handle this kind of mess. No filter means no mercy.

If you’re dealing with slow drains, hair buildup is likely the main villain. Luckily, clearing it doesn’t require a call to the pros—just the right tools and a little know-how.

Quick DIY Methods to Remove Hair from Drain

1. Grab a Drain Snake or Zip-It Tool

This one’s low effort, high reward. Slide it in, twist it around, and pull out the hair like you’re winning a carnival prize. It’s a cheap fix and doesn’t require you to dismantle anything.

2. Use Baking Soda and Vinegar

Got kitchen basics? Pour half a cup of baking soda followed by a cup of vinegar down the drain. Let it fizz like a science fair volcano for 15 minutes. Rinse with hot water. Done.

3. Pull It Out with Tweezers or Pliers

If the hair’s visible, skip the drama. Use tweezers or needle-nose pliers to yank it out. It’s gross, yeah, but oddly satisfying.

4. Try the Hot Water Trick

Sometimes, a good flush is all it takes. Boil water and slowly pour it down the drain. It melts soap scum and helps loosen any tangled strands hiding out.

5. Use a Wire Hanger

Unwind a metal hanger and shape a tiny hook. Fish around like you’re on a treasure hunt. Pull gently and brace yourself for the sludge.

Each of these gets your drain breathing again—no fancy tools, no plumber fees. Just a bit of grit and maybe a glove.

Products That Help Remove Hair from Drains

1. Hair Snakes and Drain Wands

These bendy little tools are your first line of defense. Slide one into the drain, twist, pull up—boom, hairball gone. They’re cheap, reusable, and weirdly satisfying.

2. Drain Cleaning Bladders

Got a stubborn clog that laughs at your plunger? Hook up a drain bladder to your hose. It inflates, builds pressure, and blasts the blockage out like it owes you money.

3. Hair-Dissolving Drain Gels

Skip the old-school lye bombs. Newer gels are safer for pipes but still break down hair like it’s their full-time job. Just pour, wait, rinse.

4. Shower Drain Covers

Not exactly a removal tool, but prevention’s the real flex. These sit over your drain and catch hair before it can ghost down the pipes.

What to Avoid When Removing Hair from Drains

Don’t go straight for the harsh chemicals. They might melt the gunk, but they can also wreck your pipes over time.

Skip the metal hangers. Sure, it’s a quick DIY fix, but it can scratch up your drain or push the clog deeper.

Avoid forcing tools down the drain. If it doesn’t budge, jamming it harder won’t help—it just makes things worse.

Oh, and don’t forget gloves. It gets gross fast, and you don’t want a handful of mystery goop.

Bottom line? Keep it smart, not sketchy. A little patience beats a busted pipe any day.

How to Prevent Hair from Clogging Your Drain Again

1. Use a Drain Cover

Snag a silicone or mesh drain cover. It catches hair before it slides down the pipe and causes drama. Clean it out every few days, no big deal.

2. Brush Before You Shower

Quick brush before hopping in? Total cheat code. It removes loose strands so they don’t end up tangoing with your drain.

3. Flush with Hot Water Weekly

Once a week, pour hot water down the drain. Helps rinse out buildup before it becomes a hairy situation.

4. Avoid Hairy Product Combos

Heavy conditioners and oils mixed with hair? Sludge city. Use ’em, but rinse with extra care.

5. Routine Cleanouts

Every couple weeks, pull that cover and scoop any stuck gunk. Gross? Yeah. Worth it? Always.

When to Call a Professional Plumber

If you’ve tried the usual tricks—plungers, drain snakes, baking soda—and that hair clog still won’t budge, it’s time to call in backup.

A plumber’s got the tools (and patience) to handle stubborn build-up without wrecking your pipes.

Also, if your drain keeps backing up or smells worse than last week’s gym socks, don’t wait.

Some jobs just aren’t worth the stress. Let the pros flex their tools while you kick back.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I quickly get hair out of the drain?

Use a plastic drain snake or wire hanger. Slide it in, twist, and pull. Gross, but it works.

2. Can I use baking soda and vinegar?

Yep. Pour baking soda down the drain, follow with vinegar, then hot water. It won’t snag big clumps, but it helps break down buildup.

3. Is bleach good for removing hair?

Not really. It may clear gunk, but hair? That stuff’s stubborn. Stick to tools or enzymatic cleaners instead.

Conclusion

Hair in the drain is a pain, but it doesn’t have to be a project. A mix of simple tools, smart habits, and a little routine maintenance goes a long way.

Whether you’re grabbing a drain snake or just tossing in a hair catcher, the key is staying ahead of the buildup. Do that, and you’ll keep things flowing without breaking a sweat.