How to Unclog a Bathtub Drain Full of Hair (Step-by-Step)

To unclog a bathtub drain full of hair, start by removing the drain stopper and pulling out visible hair with needle-nose pliers or a bent wire hanger. For deeper clogs, pour half a cup of baking soda followed by half a cup of vinegar into the drain, wait 15 minutes, then flush with hot water. If the clog persists, use a plastic drain snake to reach hair deeper in the pipe.

Hair clogs are the most common plumbing issue in American homes, accounting for an estimated 80 percent of residential drain calls according to professional plumbers. The good news is that most hair clogs can be cleared without calling a plumber or using harsh chemicals.

Method 1: Manual Removal (Best for Surface Clogs)

Remove your drain stopper or cover. Using needle-nose pliers, a bent wire hanger, or your gloved hand, reach into the drain and pull out the hair clog. This works best when the clog is near the surface. You may be surprised how much hair comes out. Dispose of the hair in the trash, never flush it down another drain.

Method 2: Baking Soda and Vinegar (Best for Moderate Clogs)

Pour half a cup of baking soda directly into the drain. Follow with half a cup of white vinegar. The fizzing reaction helps break down the soap residue binding the hair together. Cover the drain and wait 15 to 30 minutes. Flush with hot (not boiling) water for two minutes. Repeat if needed. This method is safe for all pipe types including PVC.

Method 3: Drain Snake (Best for Deep Clogs)

A plastic drain snake or barbed drain cleaning tool can reach clogs several feet into your pipe. Insert the snake, rotate it to grab hair, and pull it out slowly. DrainShroom, which attaches to any power drill, creates a motorized drain snake that removes deep clogs quickly. For very deep or persistent clogs, consider calling a professional plumber.

What NOT to Do

Avoid pouring boiling water into PVC pipes as it can loosen joints. Avoid chemical drain cleaners containing sodium hydroxide or sulfuric acid, as they corrode pipes with repeated use and are harmful to the environment. A single use of chemical cleaner costs $5 to $15 and provides only temporary relief, while the underlying cause (no hair prevention) remains.

How to Prevent Future Hair Clogs

Once your drain is clear, install a drain hair catcher to prevent the problem from recurring. TubShroom's patented in-drain design catches hair before it enters your pipes, eliminating clogs at the source. Combined with monthly hot water flushing, a hair catcher makes drain clogs a thing of the past.