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.
- BEST OVERALL: ShowerShroom Ultra Shower Hair Drain Catcher
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Danco Hair Catcher Bathroom Tub Strainer
- UPGRADE PICK: Lekeye Stainless Steel Drain Hair Catcher
- BEST IN-DRAIN: TubShroom Ultra Stainless Steel Hair Catcher
- BEST DRAIN SCREEN: Oxo Stainless Steel Shower Stall Drain Protector
- BEST POP-UP STOPPER: Oxo Silicone Shower & Tub Drain Protector
- BEST DISPOSABLE: DrainWig Disposable Shower Drain Protector
- BEST LARGE: Shurin Square Silicone Drain Cover for Shower
- BEST WITH SUCTION CUPS: Umbra Starfish Hair Catcher
How We Chose the Best Shower Drain Hair Catchers
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.
Our Top Picks
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.
Photo: Amazon.com
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.
Product Specs
- Type: Screen style with in-drain section
- Materials: Stainless steel
- Drain size: 1.5- to 3.5-inch diameters
Pros
- Keeps hair trapped and hidden out of sight; great for long hair
- Simple design allows for easy cleaning and hair removal
- Stainless steel construction is more durable than plastic alternatives
Cons
- Can get clogged quickly and require frequent emptying
Get the ShowerShroom shower drain hair catcher at Amazon, Lowe’s, The Home Depot, or The Shroom Company.
Photo: Amazon.com
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.
Product Specs
- Type: Screen style
- Materials: Plastic and silicone
- Drain size: Up to 4.5-inch diameters
Pros
- Flower-shaped design is easy to pick up for emptying
- Tiny pegs built-in to catch hair; great reliability
- Backup middle catcher is built-in for finer hair
Cons
- Plastic material may warp or break over time
- May cause some water flow issues if not cleaned out regularly
Get the Danco shower drain hair catcher at Amazon, Lowe’s, Ace Hardware, or The Home Depot.
Photo: amazon.com
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.
Product Specs
- Type: Screen style and in drain
- Materials: Stainless steel
- Drain size: 1.4- to 4.4-inch diameter
Pros
- 2-piece design; in-drain catcher and screen with tiny holes
- Detachable in-drain catcher for easy cleanup
- Does not obstruct water flow, even when full
- Stainless steel construction is durable and easy to wipe clean
Cons
- May not sit snug against all drains, leaving a gap underneath
Get the Lekeye shower drain hair catcher at Amazon.
Photo: amazon.com
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.
Product Specs
- Type: In drain
- Materials: Stainless steel
- Drain size: 1.25- to 2-inch diameters
Pros
- Durable stainless steel construction is more robust than plastic options
- Comes with 2 adapters to accommodate multiple drain sizes
- Can catch a lot of hair and is easy to clean
Cons
- May be tricky to remove thick hair that has become knotted
Get the TubShroom drain hair catcher at Amazon, Lowe’s, Ace Hardware, The Home Depot, Wayfair, or The Shroom Company.
Photo: amazon.com
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.
Product Specs
- Type: Screen style
- Materials: Stainless steel
- Drain size: Up to 4.75-inch diameter
Pros
- Rustproof construction can last several years
- Nonslip silicone rim helps keep it firmly in place
- Very simple and discreet design; doesn’t look out of place over the drain
Cons
- May not fit smaller drain sizes
- May not fit flush to the floor with certain drains
Get the Oxo stainless steel shower drain hair catcher at Amazon, The Container Store, or Oxo.
Photo: amazon.com
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.
Product Specs
- Type: Screen style
- Materials: Silicone
- Drain size: Up to 4.5-inch diameter
Pros
- Design fits over most pop-up drains
- Nonslip silicone ring design helps it stay firmly in place
- Soft-edge construction; sits flush to the floor and drain
- Stainless steel accent adds an elevated design touch
Cons
- May slow down drainage and cause standing water
Get the Oxo silicone shower drain hair catcher at Amazon, Target, or Oxo.
Photo: Amazon.com
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.
Product Specs
- Type: In drain
- Materials: Stainless steel and silicone
- Drain size: Universal
Pros
- Ocean-themed top-piece design is attractive and fun
- Durable 17-inch-long steel chain catches hair as it goes down the drain
- Completely disposable; just throw it away once full
- Only requires maintenance every 2 to 4 months
Cons
- Not recyclable; not the most sustainable option
Get the DrainWig shower drain hair catcher at Amazon or DrainWig.
Photo: amazon.com
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.
Product Specs
- Type: Screen style
- Materials: Silicone
- Drain size: Up to 5.7-inch diameters
Pros
- Fits over round or square drains; great versatility
- Oversize design is suitable for multiple drain types
- Suction cups built-in; nonslip design that stays in place
Cons
- Suction cups may lose strength over time
Get the Shurin shower drain hair catcher at Amazon.
Photo: amazon.com
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.
Product Specs
- Type: Screen style
- Materials: Silicone
- Drain size: Up to 6-inch diameters
Pros
- 5 powerful suction cups; won’t move while showering
- Comes in either white or blue to suit your bathroom style
- Suitable for most drain sizes and easy to set up
Cons
- Small holes can be quite difficult to keep clean
Get the Umbra shower drain hair catcher at Amazon, Wayfair, Build with Ferguson, The Container Store, or Umbra.
What to Consider When Choosing a Shower Drain Hair Catcher
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.
Type
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.
- Screen-style drain catchers are designed to cover the shower drain and prevent hair from passing through. They’re inexpensive and don’t require any installation, as they simply rest on top of the drain. The simplest models, however, may slide out of place and need frequent readjustment. Some upgraded versions are designed with weights or suction cups to keep them in place. Because they’re visible, they can be somewhat unsightly, especially when full of hair.
- In-drain hair catchers are easily installed on the inside of the drain and, since they’re out of sight, they work well for aesthetic purposes. Concealment, however, makes it harder to tell when they need to be cleaned, so it’s good to get in the habit of removing hair after every shower—or at least after every shampoo. In-drain models aren’t ideal for households with a shower-tub combination if the bathtub is used frequently for soaking, because the hair catch would need to be removed to put a drain stopper into place.
Materials
Many drain catchers are made from durable materials, such as metal, silicone, and plastic.
- Plastic drain catchers are inexpensive, but they tend to show dirt quickly and don’t clean up easily. They also don’t last very long, requiring frequent replacement.
- Silicone catchers are flexible and designed to stay in place. They’re easy to clean and durable.
- Metal drain catchers are typically made from stainless steel, which is suited to the shower because it won’t rust or corrode when exposed to water. The downside is that they’re prone to sliding out of place unless they have non-slip silicone rims or weights to keep them in place.
Size and Drain Type
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.
Ease of Use
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.
Aesthetics
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.
Additional Features
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:
- Suction cups and silicone rings included on hair catchers help to prevent the catcher from moving, creating a non-slip effect.
- Removable in-drain baskets allow you to remove hair, scum, and other materials from the drain catcher without removing the unit as a whole. These baskets may require frequent cleaning and emptying to avoid slow drainage or blockages.
- Chains are featured on some hair catchers (usually disposable) that funnel down the drain and catch hair, soap scum, and other debris, limiting the likelihood of clogged drains. After a certain amount of time, the chain can be removed, taking all of the hair and debris from the drain.
FAQs
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.
Q. Does shaving in the shower clog the drain?
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.
Q. Do shower drain hair catchers stop water from draining?
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.
Q. How do you clean a hair catcher in the shower?
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.
Q. Is there a drain cleaner that dissolves hair?
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.
Why Trust Bob Vila
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