People naturally lose hairs every day, which is obvious if you look at the average hairbrush. Much of this hair loss takes place as you massage and rinse your scalp in the shower, with those hairs ending up in your drain.
In time, this hair can accumulate and clog your drain, making water flow out more slowly and potentially flooding your bathroom. A shower drain hair catcher traps hair as it falls into your drain, making it easy to remove without needing to probe deep into your bathroom plumbing.
To help keep your drain clear, we have reviewed seven of the best shower drain hair catchers available today. We chose these products based on their size, material, design, and how user-friendly they are.
- Two-piece hair catcher
- Stainless steel
- Convenient handle for removal
- Mildew-resistant 304 stainless steel
- Adapters included for a snug fit
- No crossbar required
- Cute flower design
- No cleaning required
- Easy installation
- Mushroom shape
- Made of high-quality silicone
- 60-day return policy
- Stainless steel center
- Silicone edges
- Flat, easy-to-clean design
- Set of two catchers
- Economical and reusable
- Simple to use and clean
- Stainless steel dome
- Suitable for flat and pop-up drains
- Toy stopper
The Best Shower Drain Hair Catchers of 2024
There are countless hair catchers on the market today, so you might struggle to find a specific model for your shower. To narrow your search, we have reviewed seven of the best shower drain hair catchers currently available, chosen for their materials, effectiveness, design, and user-friendliness.
Lekeye Stainless Steel Drain Protector
Best User-Friendly Hair Catcher
Unlike most hair catchers, this Lekeye product comes in two pieces. This alone makes it far more user-friendly. Assembly is straightforward and should only take a few seconds. The small holes will stop anything other than water.
To remove the catcher from the drain, simply grab the tiny handle above the cylinder and pull it out. Cleaning is easy when you disassemble the two pieces.
As well as being user-friendly, this catcher is durable and effective. The edges are coated with silicone to hold it in place inside the drain. The rest of the product is made of stainless steel, so it is resistant to both corrosion and rust.
Reviewers praise the large surface area. This means the unit doesn’t need to be cleaned as frequently as smaller models.
Pros
- Two-piece hair catcher
- High-quality stainless steel
- 12-month warranty
- Convenient pull-out handle
Cons
- Not suitable for pop-up wastes
Product Specs
| Dimensions | 4.4 x 1.4 inches |
| Drain Size | 1.5 inches |
| Color(s) | Silver |
| Material(s) | Stainless steel, silicone |
| Unique Feature(s) | Two-piece catcher |
Our Ratings
TubShroom Ultra Revolutionary Stainless Steel Bath Tub Drain Protector
Best High-End Hair Catcher
This TubShroom drain protector combines quality, effectiveness, and elegance. Made of 304 stainless steel, it will continue working for years (1). It includes adapters to ensure a snug fit in your drain. It is also bundled with a universal drain stopper.
Installation only takes seconds. Simply place the band under the cylinder and position the mushroom inside your drain. The cap will stick out of the drain, giving it a simple but luxurious look.
This model should be suitable for most shower drains between 1.25 and 2.0 inches.
Pros
- Made of 304 stainless steel
- Adapters to customize the fit
- Mildew resistant
- No crossbar is required
Cons
- Won’t fit drains over 2 inches
Product Specs
| Dimensions | 2.25 x 2 x 2 inches |
| Drain Size | 1.25 inches to 2.0 inches |
| Color(s) | Silver |
| Material(s) | Stainless steel, rubber |
| Unique Feature(s) | Mushroom design |
Our Ratings
DrainWig Shower Catcher
The Cutest Hair Catcher
If you like cute bathroom decorations, these flower-shaped shower catchers from DrainWig are a great option. These catchers have a unique design, with a 17-inch chain that hangs down your drain, while “leaves” catch hair and dirt as they fall down.
This package contains two catchers. The beaded chain is made of metal, while the flower and leaves are plastic. As this plastic is less durable than metallic catchers, they are not intended to be used for as long.
The manufacturer recommends replacing the catcher every two to four months. When the time comes, simply grab the flower, pull on the chain, and dispose of it. This is one of the main benefits of this product: no cleaning is required!
The flower itself measures 2.25 inches, so it shouldn’t be used with drains larger than 2 inches.
Pros
- Cute flower design
- No cleaning is required
- Pack contains two catchers
- Budget-friendly
Cons
- The chain is susceptible to rust
- Not environmentally-friendly
Product Specs
| Dimensions | 5 x 1 x 11 inches |
| Drain Size | 2 inches |
| Color(s) | White |
| Material(s) | Metal and plastic |
| Unique Feature(s) | Flower shape, chain design |
Our Ratings
TubShroom Revolutionary Tub Drain Protector
Most Popular Hair Catcher
This award-winning TubShroom catcher is also one of the most popular models today. Featuring the brand’s signature mushroom design, more than 2 million people have used this product.
The mushroom shape is designed to fit inside your drain, trapping debris, soap, and hair inside and out of sight. It fits drains from 1.5 to 1.75 inches wide. Available in five colors, you can choose whichever one will match your shower base or contrast with it.
It has tiny holes that will allow water through while filtering out other material. The TubShroom collects both human and pet hair around its cylinder. It does this without clogging your drain, as long as it is cleaned when necessary.
Pros
- Easy cleaning process
- Keeps hair and dirt out of sight
- 60-day return policy
- Made of high-quality silicone
Cons
- Some users struggled to remove hair
Product Specs
| Dimensions | 2.25 x 2 inches |
| Drain Size | 1.5–1.75 inches |
| Color(s) | White, blue, green, grey, orange |
| Material(s) | Silicone |
| Unique Feature(s) | Mushroom shape |
Our Ratings
Lekeye Shower Drain Hair Catcher
Best Flat-Shaped Hair Catcher
If you have long hair and need to clean your drain daily, this Lekeye shower catcher could help.
This circular piece is designed to be placed flat over your shower drain. The large circumference means it should trap hair and dirt before they reach the drain. The silicone edges will also prevent any large pieces from reaching the central portion of the trap, acting as a pre-filter.
The silicone material holds the catcher in place, preventing it from sliding or moving during use. In addition, the center is made of stainless steel that won’t rust or corrode over time.
The flat surface means any dirt will be clearly visible, so you will know when to clean it. There are no parts that will contain dirt out of sight.
Pros
- Stainless steel center
- Silicone edges
- Flat, easy-to-clean design
- Large diameter
Cons
- Moves easily if stepped on
Product Specs
| Dimensions | 4.75 x 4.75 x 0.4 inches |
| Drain Size | Any |
| Color(s) | Silver |
| Material(s) | Stainless steel and silicone |
| Unique Feature(s) | Flat shape |
Our Ratings
Mesh Sink Strainer Hair Catcher
Most Economical Hair Catcher
If you want a budget-friendly solution to catch your hair before it reaches the drain, these mesh sink strainers are a great option. Despite being basic, the two stainless steel catchers are reusable.
The durable material prevents rust from forming and can be cleaned to be used again. It is usually easier to remove hair when it is dry. As this set contains two catchers, you can allow one to dry while using the second one in your shower unit.
The cup measures 1.5 inches in diameter, so it should fit all standard shower drains. Keep in mind that the small basket and tiny holes mean each catcher will likely fill up quickly. As such, regular cleaning is recommended.
Pros
- This set contains two catchers
- Economical and reusable
- Made of stainless steel
- Simple to use and clean
Cons
- Some users were disappointed by its small size
Product Specs
| Dimensions | 2.7 x 1 inch. Basket — 1.5 x 1 inch |
| Drain Size | 1.4 inches |
| Color(s) | Silver |
| Material(s) | Stainless steel |
| Unique Feature(s) | Economical |
Our Ratings
OXO Good Grips Silicone Drain Protector
Best Hair Catcher for Pop-Up Drains
If you don’t want to remove your pop-up drain to place a hair catcher every time you take a bath, this OXO product is a great solution. You simply place it over your pop-up drain. When it’s time for a bath or cleaning, remove the hat to use the stopper.
Primarily made of silicone, it can withstand very hot water. The silicone part has numerous small holes that allow water to flow through while stopping hair and dirt. It will also prevent small toys from falling down your drain.
The dome is made of high-quality stainless steel. This isn’t merely for visual purposes; it also holds the hat over your drain, preventing it from shifting.
Pros
- The stainless steel dome keeps it still
- Suitable for flat and pop-up drains
- Durable materials
- Toy stopper
Cons
- The tall dome makes it a trip hazard
Product Specs
| Dimensions | 4.5 x 4.5 x 2 inches |
| Drain Size | Up to 4.5 inches |
| Color(s) | Grey with a silver dome |
| Material(s) | Silicone and stainless steel |
| Unique Feature(s) | Dome shape |
Our Ratings
| Product | Best | Dimensions | Drain Size | Color(s) | Material(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lekeye Drain Protector | User-Friendly | 4.4 x 1.4″ | 1.5″ | Silver | Stainless steel, silicone |
| TubShroom Ultra | High-End | 2.25 x 2 x 2 “ | 1.25″ – 2.0″ | Silver | Stainless steel |
| DrainWig Shower Catcher | Cutest | 5 x 1 x 11″ | 2″ | White | Metal and plastic |
| TubShroom Tub Drain Protector | Popular Choice | 2.25 x 2″ | 1.5–1.75″ | White, blue, green, grey, orange | Silicone |
| Lekeye Shower Drain Hair Catcher | Flat-Shaped | 4.75 x 4.75 x 0.4″ | Any | Silver | Stainless steel and silicone |
| Mesh Sink Strainer Hair Catcher | Economical | 2.7 x 1 inch. Basket — 1.5 x 1 inch | 1.4″ | Silver | Stainless steel |
| OXO Good Grips Drain Protector | Pop-Up Drains | 4.5 x 4.5 x 2″ | Up – 4.5″ | Grey with a silver dome | Silicone and stainless steel |
How to Choose a Drain Hair Catcher
With so many different drain hair catchers to choose from, it can be difficult to know what you’re looking for. Keep these traits in mind when shopping:
Ease of Use
The purpose of a drain hair catcher is to save time by trapping dirt and debris before they can fall down your drain. This means it is very important that the item is easy to place, remove, and clean.
Make sure it is simple to detach it from the drain; the process shouldn’t take more than a few seconds. When cleaning, hair should easily fall from the filter. For a more thorough clean, some models are even machine washable; just make sure to remove as much hair as possible before placing it in the washer.
Hole Size
Shower drain trap holes can vary greatly in size. Small holes are very effective and will help remove short, fine hair, including pet hair. However, you will need to clean the trap more often, perhaps even daily.
Large holes require less maintenance but they can let fine hair through. As they filter less material, there can be less time between cleanings.
While there isn’t a universal rule, choosing a catcher with mid-sized holes will provide the best balance of effectiveness and convenience.
Appropriate Size
Shower hair catchers are available in different sizes so you will be able to find one that is appropriate for your drain. Measure your shower drain; if it is a standard size — 1.5 to 2 inches — a small trap should be sufficient. However, if it is bigger, you might need a larger trap.
Material
- Plastic: If you enjoy hot showers, don’t choose a plastic catcher. The heat might deform and deteriorate it, leaving it unable to trap hair effectively (2).
- Silicone: Silicone is usually a better option. It is durable and won’t be affected by water, whether it is hot or cold (3).
- Metallic: If you want a metallic hair catcher, choose one that is resistant to rust and corrosion. Aluminum or stainless steel are excellent options.
Appealing Design
Although a drain hair catcher is a relatively small part of your bathroom, you should still choose one that complements the aesthetic of your shower area.
Many hair catchers have a standard cup or flat shape, but some models can be more creative. Some are even shaped like a flower or mushroom for a more natural touch.
How to Clean a Shower Drain Hair Catcher
If you shower daily, you should remove your hair catcher to clean it at least once per week:
- Empty: Empty your shower tray of water. If the catcher is clogged, this could take a while.
- Remove: Pull the catcher out of the drain. Wear gloves if necessary.
- Dry: Let the receptacle dry completely. This not only makes it easier to remove hair, but it won’t stick to your fingers while cleaning.
- Clean: Remove all hair. The drainer might still feel soapy and slippery. Rinse it and clean it with soap or a gentle cleaner (such as white vinegar) until the surface feels clean.
- Put it back: Place the catcher back inside or above the drain.
A DIY Drainer
If you have lost your hair catcher and need a temporary solution before your new one arrives, it is possible to make a drainer yourself. This can be done using various methods.
FAQs
Is It Ok for Hair to Go Down the Shower Drain?
You should always avoid letting hair go down the shower drain. The most common cause of water being restricted from flowing freely down pipes and leading to severe clogs is the accumulation of hair.
It is nearly impossible for most people to prevent their hair from going down the drain while they are showering, and using chemical drain cleaners to remove clogs only makes the problem worse.
Do Shower Hair Catchers Work?
Shower hair catcher words if you buy the right one. These are placed above the drain and usually have some sort of suction to keep them in place.
Why Does My Shower Drain Smell Like Rotten Eggs?
If the shower drain reeks like rotten eggs, it’s likely a clog. A clog in a shower drain will almost always result in the emission of offensive odors, including the smell of rotten eggs.
After removing the cover, you might find the clog still attached. In any other case, shine a flashlight down the drain’s opening to determine whether there are any obstructions. Clogs located higher up in the drain can be removed by pulling them out.
A thin biofilm will eventually form inside the drain pipe as time passes. This biofilm is composed of biological waste washed down the drain and has adhered to the pipe’s walls.
The biofilm formation is followed by the growth of bacteria, resulting in an odor comparable to that of a rotten egg.
What’s the Best Way to Get Hair Out of the Shower Drain?
If your shower drain is clogged with hair, you can try to remove it in a few different ways. One option is to use a plunger. Place it over the drain and push and pull the handle up and down. The suction will help to loosen the hair and clear the drain.
You can also use a wire hanger. Straighten out the hanger and then insert it into the drain. Twist the hanger around to try to grab onto the hair and then pull it out.
If these tips don’t work, you may need to use a chemical drain cleaner. Follow the instructions carefully, as some cleaners can be harmful if misused. With a little patience and some trial and error, you should be able to clear your shower drain of hair.
