By Jasmine Harding | Updated Jun 26, 2023 11:22 AM
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Hair in the shower drain can cause bad smells, clogs, and serious blockages. The best shower drain hair catcher snags hair before it slips down the drain, preventing drain clogs before they start. A simple, affordable solution that can prevent a pricey plumber’s bill, shower hair catchers remain hidden from sight or match bathroom decor.
A high-quality drain hair catcher doesn’t block the flow of water, is non-slip, or uses suction cups and silicone rims to help them stay in place. Read on for some of the best shower drain hair catchers on the market and how to use them.
We researched the most sought-after shower drain hair catchers in their respective categories and discovered that the best options are determined by their type, materials, compatibility with multiple drain sizes, and other special features included by select brands.
While searching for the best shower drain hair catchers available, the screen-style options were most popular among users for their versatility, ease of use, and easy clean-up. While not as popular, in-drain hair catchers are also a viable option for those that prefer a heavy-duty, subtle catcher. No matter the type, the above picks are made with durable materials like silicone and metal making them compatible with multiple drain sizes and shapes.
While most of the above picks can accommodate 1.4- to 2-inch drains, while others work with drains of 4.75- to 6.25-inch diameters, making many of these catchers suitable for shower, bathtub, and kitchen sink drains. As for ease of use, some of these catchers are made with suction cups, handles, backup catchers, chains, and slip-free rings.
The best hair catcher for your shower depends on the drain’s shape, size, and design. This list includes several recommendations to suit different drain types.
The ShowerShroom shower drain catcher is a stainless steel drain cover with a unique design. Its functional shape keeps unsightly hair trapped inside the drain and out of sight. As hair reaches the drain, the ShowerShroom catches the strands. The hairs wrap neatly around the base, keeping trapped hair not only out of sight but out of the plumbing. The simple design allows for easy removal and cleaning; just grab the top and pull it out of the drain. A quick swipe with a paper towel is usually enough to remove the hair.
The ShowerShroom is easy to install and fits standard drains with a 1.5- to 3.5-inch diameter. With a snug design that doesn’t interrupt water flow, it works on both human and pet hair to keep your drain clog-free.
Get the ShowerShroom shower drain hair catcher at Amazon, Lowe’s, The Home Depot, or The Shroom Company.
The Danco Hair Catcher’s flower-shaped design centers around a basket. Each silicone petal has tiny pegs to catch hair and prevent it from slipping down the drain. The middle basket serves as a backup to catch any additional stray hairs or other debris.
This hair catcher sits slightly above rather than fully inside the drain. Lift it out with its handle for easy removal and cleanup. This drain protector fits most standard bathtub drains up to 4.5 inches wide. Note that the silicone material may not last as long compared to stainless steel options.
Get the Danco shower drain hair catcher at Amazon, Lowe’s, Ace Hardware, or The Home Depot.
The Lekeye drain hair strainer features a two-piece design with a detachable in-drain hair catcher and an outer strainer to prevent a clogged drain, stopping hair or small debris from passing through. The protector is equipped with tiny holes to catch hair without blocking water flow.
The detachable basket unscrews from the strainer to allow for easy and thorough cleaning. Lift it out with the built-in handle for easy installation and removal. The basket measures 1.4 inches in diameter, which fits most standard bathtub drains.
Get the Lekeye shower drain hair catcher at Amazon.
In-drain hair catchers are rising in popularity for those that need a heavy-duty solution for ample hair and materials going down the drain. Whether you are bathing your pets or doing hair maintenance, the TubShroom ultra bathtub drain protector may be just the ticket.
Made with an in-drain construction, this option is made with a durable stainless steel construction and comes with two adapters to fit 1.25-inch and 2-inch drain diameters. While in use, this catcher fits seamlessly over the drain while the mushroom-shaped catcher collects the hair. To clean, simply remove the catcher and wipe away the contents with a paper towel.
Get the TubShroom drain hair catcher at Amazon, Lowe’s, Ace Hardware, The Home Depot, Wayfair, or The Shroom Company.
The Oxo easy clean shower stall drain protector is 4.75 inches in diameter. This drain protector is made from durable, rust-proof stainless steel. The screen contains small holes to stop hair from slipping through, with a soft, nonslip silicone rim to keep the hair catcher in place. This option is a simple, effective, and affordable hair catcher that will fit most shower drains.
Get the Oxo stainless steel shower drain hair catcher at Amazon, The Container Store, or Oxo.
For flat or pop-up drains, the tall, domed shape of the Oxo Good Grips Silicone Drain Protector works for drains with pop-up stoppers in addition to flat drains. Since the stopper can stay in the tub drain, it doesn’t have to be reinstalled every time someone bathes.
This drain protector’s silicone material helps prevent slipping. The rim has a soft edge that sits flush with the tub to catch hair and debris with a stainless steel accent.
Get the Oxo silicone shower drain hair catcher at Amazon, Target, or Oxo.
The DrainWig shower drain protector features a long chain with rubber whiskers to catch hairs that slip down the drain. A cute ocean-theme shaped top piece keeps the chain in place and makes for simple removal once the hair catcher is full. The chain is 17 inches long and inserts into the drainage pipe to catch hairs as they pass.
This product is completely disposable. DrainWig recommends replacing the hair catcher every 2 to 4 months or if the water begins to drain slowly.
Get the DrainWig shower drain hair catcher at Amazon or DrainWig.
This flat, silicone Shurin square drain cover is large enough to fit over most round or square shower drains. This cover is versatile, with a large size and flat, flexible design. It also can be used with kitchen sinks and other flat drain types.
Made of silicone for a flexible fit, the Shurin drain cover features a suction cup in each corner to prevent slipping. It’s durable and easy to clean with a quick wipe. Installation and removal are as simple as sticking it to or unsticking it from a flat surface.
Get the Shurin shower drain hair catcher at Amazon.
Whether you are bathing a large dog that won’t stay still or there are small children romping around during their shower, you will need a hair catcher that can stay in place and withstand a few bumps and abrasions. The Umbra Starfish drain cover could be just the ticket with its five suction cups that hold the cover in place with a tough, tight seal.
Coming in two different colors and quantities, this silicone cover is easy to set up and won’t restrict any water flow. It is also large enough to fit drains up to 6-inch diameters. This cover also comes with a playful, starfish design, adding a cute touch to your bathroom.
Get the Umbra shower drain hair catcher at Amazon, Wayfair, Build with Ferguson, The Container Store, or Umbra.
To avoid a plumber’s bill or having to snake your drain, a shower drain hair catcher is a simple solution. There are a few things to consider when shopping for the best shower drain hair catcher for your shower. Read on for some important considerations to consider including type, materials, size, and construction.
A few shower drain catcher styles are available to suit different types of drains. Drain screens, which fit over the drain, are a good option for flat and pop-up drains, while in-drain catchers fit inside the drain.
Many drain catchers are made from durable materials, such as metal, silicone, and plastic.
When looking for the best shower drain hair catcher, a good fit is important to effectively trap hair and prevent slow drainage. The size of a drain hair catch is a crucial consideration, as it must fit securely without impeding normal water flow. The standard diameter of a bathtub drain is 1.5 inches, and most in-drain hair catches are designed with that specification in mind. Stand-alone shower stalls, especially those with modern designs, occasionally have larger drains. Screen-style hair catches that are 5 inches in width and larger are available for wider drain openings.
Silicone screen-style catches are a good choice when it comes to ease of use. Because of the naturally nonslip construction, a silicone model will stay in place without requiring readjustment. Silicone models also clean easily: simply scoop out the hair with a finger, tissue, or paper towel. Stainless steel models with weights or suction cups are similarly designed to stay firmly in the drain. While in-drain models are slightly trickier to install and detach, they are also easy to clean with a tissue or paper towel.
In-drain hair catches are barely visible and they keep hair out of sight. This makes them a strong choice for aesthetic appeal. Stainless steel is a good option for a screen-style drain protector, as it’s likely to match other bathroom fixtures. Colorful silicone models are available in both styles and can be a cheery choice for children’s bathrooms.
With all of the features listed above, there are still a few things to note that make using these handy devices easier and more effective. Here are a few examples:
With the many choices available in today’s marketplace, you still may have some questions. Keep reading to find the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about shower drain catchers. Keep these answers and the product information in mind when shopping for the best shower drain hair catcher for your home.
Yes. To help avoid clogging the shower drain while shaving, avoid using heavy, thick shaving cream. Rinsing with hot water as you shave also helps you avoid having to snake the drain and prevents clogs from forming.
The majority of shower drain hair catchers on the market are designed to allow water to flow through the drain while catching hair, soap scum, and other materials. However, if you buy a catcher that is not suitable for your drain size, this could cause obstructions.
Cleaning your new shower drain catcher is easy. Simply remove it, give it a few swipes with a paper towel to remove hair or any other gunk it may have collected, and reinsert it in your drain. If a paper towel isn’t handy, you can even use a few squares of toilet paper.
Instead of reaching for a chemical-laden drain cleaner, try an eco-friendly product first. Green Gobbler Liquid Hair & Grease Clog Remover uses natural enzymes and other environmentally healthy ingredients to clear clogs from hair or other debris. This drain cleaner helps with hair, is biodegradable, and won’t corrode pipes.
Bob Vila has been America’s Handyman since 1979. As the host of beloved and groundbreaking TV series including “This Old House” and “Bob Vila’s Home Again,” he popularized and became synonymous with “do-it-yourself” home improvement.
Over the course of his decades-long career, Bob Vila has helped millions of people build, renovate, repair, and live better each day—a tradition that continues today with expert yet accessible home advice. The Bob Vila team distills need-to-know information into project tutorials, maintenance guides, tool 101s, and more. These home and garden experts then thoroughly research, vet, and recommend products that support homeowners, renters, DIYers, and professionals in their to-do lists.
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