How to Unclog Hair in Your Shower Drain (And Keep It That Way)

Skill Level Legend:

Beginner: Simple tools, no flame or cutting involved. Great for first-timers.
Intermediate: Requires basic plumbing knowledge and comfort with hand tools or heat.
Advanced: Complex techniques, potential for damage if done incorrectly. Best left to professionals.

Skill Level: Beginner:

Estimated Time: 30 minutes

There’s nothing quite like starting your day with a hot, refreshing shower until the water starts pooling around your ankles because of a clogged shower drain. If your first thought is, “Ugh, it’s probably hair again,” you’re probably right. Hair is one of the most common culprits of shower drain clogs. Over time, it tangles with soap scum and grime, creating a stubborn blockage that slows drainage and if left untreated, could lead to bigger plumbing issues. The good news? You can usually fix this yourself and Here’s how to unclog hair in your shower drain step by step.

How to Fix a Clogged Shower Drain

Step 1: Identify the Problem

Slow drainage, standing water, or that unmistakable musty smell in your bathroom are all signs of a hair-clogged shower or tub drain. If your shower was draining fine a week ago and now it’s sluggish, you likely have a hair buildup that’s finally reached its limit.

Step 2: Remove the Drain Cover

Before you start any unclogging, remove the drain cover so you can access the blockage directly. Most covers either lift off or can be unscrewed with a screwdriver. If yours is stuck due to soap scum or mineral deposits, a little wiggling or prying with a flathead screwdriver should do help loosen it, just be gentle to avoid scratching the tub or damaging the drain.

Step 3: Fish It Out (Yes, Literally)

Once the cover is off, grab a pair of rubber gloves and a plumbing snake, hair clog tool or even a straightened wire coat hanger with a small hook on the end. Insert the tool into the drain and twist or pull gently to catch all the hair. You might be surprised and a little grossed out by how much gunk you pull out.

Step 4: Flush It With Boiling Water

Once you’ve cleared out the visible hair, pour a kettle of boiling water down the drain to help dissolve any remaining soap scum, conditioner residue, or oils that have built up around the pipe walls. This step is simple but surprisingly effective, especially when paired with manual hair removal.

Step 5: Try Baking Soda and Vinegar

Avoid chemical drain cleaners they’re often too harsh and can harm your pipes over time (especially if you have older plumbing). Instead, opt for a natural mixturecombo of baking soda and vinegar. This step helps soften buildup and also slightly dissolves hair that may be still clinging inside.

Pour 1/2 cup of baking soda into the drain.
1 cup of white vinegar
Let it fizz and work its magic for 15–20 minutes.
Flush with more boiling water

Step 6: Test the Drain

Run your shower to test the drainage. If the water flows freely again, congrats, you’ve successfully unclogged your drain! If it’s still slow, you may need to repeat the process or consider a more thorough clean with a wet/dry vacuum or a cup plunger. Otherwise, it may be time to call in a professional plumber for a deeper issue.

How to Prevent Future Hair Clogs

Once your drain is clear, keeping it that way is the real win. Here are a few easy prevention tips:

1. Use a Drain Hair Catcher
Install a silicone or metal drain hair catcher over your shower drain. These inexpensive tools catch hair before it enters your pipes and are the easiest way to prevent hair buildup.

2. Clean the Drain Weekly
Make it a habit to remove your drain cover and get hair out once a week. It only takes a minute but can prevent major buildup over time.

3. Avoid Pouring Greasy Products Down the Drain

Conditioners, body butters and oil-based scrubs can stick to pipe walls and trap hair. Use sparingly and rinse with hot water after using them.

4. Flush With Boiling Water Monthly
This is a simple maintenance trick. Pour boiling water down your drain once a month to help break up soap residue and minor clogs before they become problematic

When to Call a Plumber

If you’ve tried everything and your shower is still draining slowly or if you’re dealing with recurring clogs every few weeks there could be a bigger issue, like a deeper blockage, old pipes or a collapsed drain line. In that case, it’s time to call a licensed plumber. Professional tools like motorized snakes or hydro-jetting can fix what DIY can’t. Hair clogs are annoying but entirely manageable with the right tools, a little patience and some preventative maintenance. By staying on top of routine drain care and avoiding harsh chemicals, you can keep your shower running smoothly and your feet out of murky water.

The Great Plumbing Co.

For nearly three decades, The Great Plumbing Co. has been providing exceptional plumbing services for homeowners as well as business owners throughout Toronto and the GTA. Whether you’re dealing with a leaky hose bib, a clogged drain, or a toilet repair and service you can trust The Great Plumbing Co. to deliver timely solutions tailored to your specific requirements.

Contact us or book online to schedule your residential plumbing appointment.