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 problems 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: TubShroom the Revolutionary Tub Drain Protector
- BEST BUDGET: Danco Tub Drain Protector Hair Catcher
- UPGRADE PICK: LEKEYE Drain Hair Trap/Strainer
- BEST IN-DRAIN: TubShroom Ultra Revolutionary Bath Tub Drain Protector
- BEST DRAIN SCREEN: OXO Good Grips Shower Stall Drain Protector
- BEST POP-UP STOPPER: OXO Good Grips Silicone Drain Protector
- BEST DISPOSABLE: DrainWig Shower Drain Protectors
- BEST LARGE: SHURIN Drain Cover for Shower 5.7-inch
- BEST WITH SUCTION CUPS: Umbra Starfish Drain Cover
What to Consider When Choosing the Best 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. 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.
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 TubShroom Tub Drain Protector is an in-drain hair catcher with a unique design. Its functional mushroom-shape catcher keeps unsightly trapped hair inside the drain.
As hair reaches the drain, the TubShroom catches the strands. The hairs wrap neatly around the base, keeping trapped hair not only out of sight but out of the plumbing. The mushroom 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 TubShroom is easy to install and fits standard bathtub drains with a 1.5- to 1.75-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: In-drain
- Material: Silicone
- Drain Size: 1.5- to 1.75-inch diameters
Pros
- Mushroom-shape catcher
- Allows for easy cleaning and hair removal
- Easy to install
- Does not disrupt water flow
Cons
- May be tricky to remove hair that has become knotted
Photo: amazon.com
The Danco Tub Drain Protector’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
- Material: Silicone
- Drain Size: 1.5- to 4.5-inch diameters
Pros
- Flower-shaped design
- Tiny pegs built-in to catch hair
- Backup middle catcher built-in
- Handle for easy clean-up
Cons
- Material may warp or break over time
- May cause some water flow issues if not cleaned out regularly
Photo: amazon.com
The LEKEYE Drain Hair Trap/Strainer features a two-piece design with a detachable in-drain hair catcher and an outer strainer to prevent 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
- Material: Stainless steel
- Drain Size: 1.4-inch diameter
Pros
- Two-piece design; in-drain catcher and screen with tiny holes
- Detachable in-drain catcher for easy clean-up
- Does not obstruct water flow
- Built-in handle
Cons
- Pricey
- Smaller than comparable options
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 Revolutionary Bath Tub 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
- Material: Stainless steel
- Drain Size: 1.25- to 2-inch diameters
Pros
- Durable construction
- Comes with 2 adapters to accommodate multiple drain sizes
- Easy to clean
Cons
- May be tricky to remove hair that has become knotted
Photo: amazon.com
The OXO Good Grips 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
- Material: Stainless steel
- Drain Size: 4.75-inch diameter
Pros
- Rust-proof construction
- Non-slip silicone rim
- Affordable price point
Cons
- May not fit small drains
- May not fit flush to the floor with certain drains
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
- Material: Silicone
- Drain Size: 2-inch diameter
Pros
- Pop-up design
- Non-slip design
- Soft edge construction; sits flush to the floor and drain
- Stainless steel accent
Cons
- Some users have reported slow drainage
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 daisy-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
- Material: Stainless steel and silicone
- Drain Size: Universal
Pros
- Daisy-shaped top piece
- Durable 17-inch long steel chain
- Completely disposable
- Only requires maintenance every 2 to 4 months
Cons
- Not recyclable; not the most sustainable option
- Some users report manufacturing defects
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
- Material: Silicone
- Drain Size: 1.5- to 5.7-inch diameters
Pros
- Fits over round or square drains
- Suitable for multiple drain types
- Oversized design
- Suction cups built-in; non-slip design that stays in place
Cons
- Some users report issues with the suction cups
- May restrict water flow for some drains
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 5 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 of 1.5- to 6.25-inch diameters. This cover also comes with a playful, starfish design, adding a cute touch to your bathroom.
Product Specs
- Type: Screen-style
- Material: Silicone
- Drain Size: 1.5- to 6.25-inch diameters
Pros
- 5 powerful suction cups; won’t move while showering
- Comes in multiple colorways
- Easy to set up
- Suitable for multiple drain sizes
Cons
- Some users report that this option is hard to clean
Our Verdict
One of the best options for hair removal is the in-drain TubShroom catcher with its durable silicone build and ease of cleaning after use. Alternatively, for a budget-friendly option, the Danco catcher has a cute, flower-shaped design, tiny pegs to catch the hair, and a built-in backup middle 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 different drains, and special features included by top 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 catcher. The above picks are made with durable materials like silicone and metal, designed for multiple drain sizes and shapes.
Most of the leading 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, chains, and slip-free rings.
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.
