How to Prevent Hair Clogs in Your Shower Drain

Few plumbing problems are as common—and as annoying—as hair clogs in the shower. Whether you live alone or have a busy household, hair buildup is almost unavoidable. Every time you shower, strands of hair go down the drain, where they combine with soap scum, shampoo residue, skin flakes, oils, and hard-water minerals. Over time, this mixture forms stubborn clumps that stick to the pipe walls, slow down water flow, and eventually lead to a full blockage.

Fortunately, preventing hair clogs is simple, inexpensive, and far easier than dealing with a major drain backup. With a few smart habits and some preventive maintenance, you can keep your shower drain flowing smoothly all year long.

Below is a complete guide to understanding what causes hair clogs—and the best strategies to prevent them.

Why Hair Clogs Form in Shower Drains

Understanding the cause of the problem makes it easier to prevent it. Hair clogs form because:

1. Wet hair sticks to just about everything

Once hair enters the drain trap, it catches on soap residue, oils, and minerals.

2. Long hair creates bigger tangles

Households with long-haired family members experience clogs faster.

3. Soap scum acts like glue

Shampoos and conditioners leave behind sticky films that trap hair.

4. Hard water speeds buildup

Mineral deposits help hair clumps collect faster.

5. Low-flow drains make clogs form easier

Sometimes the drain simply lacks the pressure needed to push debris through.

Because hair is difficult for water to break down, it builds up over time until the drain becomes slow, smelly, or completely blocked.

Common Signs Your Shower Drain Is Starting to Clog

A clog rarely happens all at once. You’ll usually see warning signs first:

Water pools around your feet while showering
A slow whirlpool forms when the shower drains
Gurgling or bubbling noises
Foul odors from the drain
Mold or mildew near the drain area
Backups in other bathroom fixtures

If you notice any of these symptoms, address the issue before it turns into a major blockage.

1. Use a High-Quality Drain Hair Catcher

The easiest and most effective way to prevent hair clogs is to use a drain catcher. These devices sit on top of—or inside—the drain and trap hair before it enters your plumbing.

Types of drain catchers include:

Silicone drain covers
Stainless steel strainers
In-drain models that sit below the drain plate
Weighted covers designed for flat shower floors

Look for a catcher that is:

Easy to remove
Simple to clean
Rust-resistant
Designed to fit your specific drain type

Tip: Clean the catcher after every shower. It only takes 5–10 seconds, and it can prevent costly repairs later.

2. Brush Your Hair Before Showering

This is a simple trick most people never consider. Brushing your hair before stepping into the shower removes loose strands that would otherwise end up in the drain.

This method is especially helpful for:

Long hair
Thick hair
Curly hair
Household members who shed frequently

Just 30 seconds of brushing can significantly reduce hair buildup.

3. Install a Water Softener if You Have Hard Water

Hard water contains minerals like calcium and magnesium that react with soap, creating sticky residue inside pipes. This residue traps hair, causing clogs to form faster.

By installing a water softener, you reduce mineral buildup, making it harder for hair clogs to form.

Benefits of soft water include:

Less soap scum
Cleaner plumbing
Longer-lasting fixtures
Fuller water flow
Fewer hair tangles

Water softeners are especially beneficial if multiple members of your household have long hair.

4. Clean the Drain Regularly

Even with a drain catcher, small amounts of hair make it through. Performing regular cleaning prevents clogs from growing.

Monthly cleaning steps:

Remove the drain cover.
Pull out visible hair using a gloved hand or a drain tool.
Pour hot water down the drain.
Follow with a mixture of ½ cup baking soda + 1 cup vinegar.
Let fizz for 10–15 minutes.
Flush again with hot water.

This safe, non-chemical method helps break down soap scum and deodorizes the drain.

5. Avoid Chemical Drain Cleaners

Store-bought chemical cleaners may promise fast results, but they come with serious risks:

They corrode PVC, cast iron, and copper pipes.
They harden hair clogs instead of dissolving them.
They produce toxic fumes.
They can cause burns if splashed.
They damage septic systems.

Instead, use safe alternatives such as:

Enzyme-based cleaners
Baking soda and vinegar
Manual removal tools

If a clog is severe, call a professional plumber rather than rely on harsh chemicals.

6. Use Enzyme-Based Drain Treatments

Enzyme treatments use natural bacteria and enzymes to break down organic matter—including hair, soap, and skin oils.

Benefits of enzyme cleaners:

Safe for all pipes
Septic-friendly
Non-toxic
Great for preventive maintenance

Use them once per month to keep your drains clear and odor-free.

7. Rinse With Hot Water After Every Shower

A quick blast of hot water after your shower helps:

Melt away soap scum
Rinse oils and conditioner residue
Push small hair strands farther down
Prevent buildup along the pipe walls

This simple habit goes a long way in reducing clogs.

8. Use a Drain Cleaning Tool for Quick Maintenance

Instead of waiting for clogs to form, use a simple plastic or rubber drain tool every few weeks. These inexpensive tools are designed to:

Grab hair
Break up light buildup
Pull debris near the drain opening

They are safer and more effective than coat hangers or metal tools, which can scratch or puncture pipes.

9. Remove and Clean the P-Trap (If Needed)

If your shower has an accessible trap (typically under a tub), cleaning it can remove trapped hair.

Steps:

Place a bucket underneath.
Loosen the slip nuts.
Remove the trap.
Clean out debris and hair.
Reassemble and tighten the nuts.

If you’re unsure how to do this, a plumber can handle it during routine service.

10. Schedule a Professional Drain Cleaning Once a Year

Even with great maintenance, hair and debris slowly accumulate inside your plumbing system. Scheduling annual or semiannual drain cleaning keeps your pipes in peak condition.

Professional cleaning methods include:

Snaking (for early-stage clogs)
Hydro jetting (for deep cleaning)
Video camera inspections

These services remove buildup that home methods can’t reach and help prevent major blockages.

What to Do If You Already Have a Hair Clog

If your shower is draining slowly or backing up, take action early:

Try these safe steps:

Remove and clean the drain cover
Use a drain hair removal tool
Flush with hot water
Use baking soda and vinegar
Avoid store-bought chemicals

If the clog persists, it’s time to call a plumber. Hair clogs can get compacted deep inside the pipe—far beyond what a homeowner can reach.

Why Preventing Hair Clogs Is So Important

It might seem like a minor annoyance, but hair clogs cause bigger issues if ignored:

✔ Slow drainage

✔ Foul odors

✔ Bacteria growth

✔ Pipe corrosion from standing water

✔ Sewer backups

✔ Higher plumbing repair costs

✔ Mold growth around the drain

Preventing clogs ensures your plumbing system stays healthy and efficient—and saves you money on emergency repairs.

Conclusion

Hair clogs in shower drains are frustrating but highly preventable. With the right combination of habits—like using a hair catcher, brushing before showering, cleaning the drain regularly, and avoiding chemical cleaners—you can keep your plumbing system flowing smoothly year-round.

Regular maintenance and smart prevention are far easier (and cheaper) than dealing with a full-blown pipe blockage. And if your shower drain is already slow or clogged, don’t hesitate to call a professional plumber before the issue turns into a bigger problem.