We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn More ›
With regular use, the drains in your home can become clogged with clumps of hair, causing drainage issues and unpleasant odors. However, not all drain cleaners are well-equipped to clear and break up difficult hair clogs.
Clogs can happen in the sink, shower, and even the garbage disposal and each of these drain types may require a certain drain cleaner to fix the blockage. For a fast-acting product that tackles your backed-up pipes, this list includes some of the best drain cleaners for hair.
- BEST OVERALL: Green Gobbler Liquid Drain Clog Dissolver
- RUNNER-UP: Whink Hair Clog Blaster!
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Drano Max Gel Clog Remover
- BEST NATURAL: Bio-Clean Bacteria Waste Eliminator
- BEST FAST-ACTING: Professor Amos Super Fast Drain Cleaner
- BEST SNAKE DRAIN: FlexiSnake Drain Weasel Hair Clog Kit
- BEST HAIR CLOG PREVENTER: TubShroom the Revolutionary Tub Drain Protector
- BEST ODORLESS: Thrift Drain Cleaner
- ALSO CONSIDER: Forlivese Drain Hair Clog Remover
How We Chose the Best Drain Cleaners for Hair
We researched the most sought-after drain cleaners for hair in their respective categories and discovered that the best options for clogged drains are determined by their type, working time, compatibility with multiple drains and fixtures, and other special features included by top brands.
While searching for the best drain cleaners for hair, the most popular types among users were the liquid, gel, powder, snake, and catcher options which catch or dissolve hair immediately or up to 8 hours after application. Many of these options are safe to use on copper, stainless steel, and other metal pipes, while select picks can also be used on PVC and plastic. Plus, many of the drain cleaners on this list are safe to use for clogs in sinks, showers, tubs, toilets, and garbage disposals.
While some of these options contain heavy chemicals, many are all-natural and safe to use without protective gear or in homes with children and pets.
Our Top Picks
Keep reading to find a list of some of the best drain cleaners for hair clogs. We have organized each of these options by category and included a list of their pros and cons.
Best Overall
Green Gobbler Liquid Drain Clog Dissolver
Product Specs
- Type: Liquid
- Working time: 2 hours
- Odor removing: No
Pros
- Ample quantity provided for multiple uses or very heavy-duty clogs and slow drains
- Noncorrosive on metal pipes or septic systems for peace of mind
- Versatile formula is suitable for use in showers, sinks, and toilets
Cons
- May need to be left overnight for very stubborn clogs
Green Gobbler Liquid Drain Clog Dissolver is a noncorrosive liquid drain cleaner that doesn’t damage pipes or septic systems but works hard to dislodge pesky clogs. Formulated with fewer harsh chemicals than most cleaners, it’s safer for users and their home’s plumbing. This liquid clog remover cuts through the hair that can build up in the shower, sink, and toilet.
Pour 1 quart of Green Gobbler drain cleaner slowly down the drain; it usually takes at least 2 hours to unclog the hair. To maximize the unclogging action, users may want to wait overnight before flushing with hot water.
Get the Green Gobbler drain cleaner for hair at The Home Depot or Walmart.
Runner-Up
Whink Hair Clog Blaster!
Product Specs
- Type: Liquid
- Working time: 15 to 30 minutes
- Odor removing: No
Pros
- Enough quantity for multiple drains or very tough clogs
- Safe to use on sinks and shower drains; will not erode septic systems and metal pipes
- Extra-thick consistency sinks through any standing water to remove the clog
Cons
- May need to sit overnight for tough clogs
- Not suitable for toilets, garbage disposals, or dishwashers
- Gloves are recommended during use
Whink Hair Clog Blaster! liquid drain opener can pass through standing water to target difficult hair clogs and break them down quickly. Thoroughly shake the closed drain cleaner container, and slowly pour 8 to 10 ounces of Hair Clog Blaster into the blocked drain. Let this extra-thick solution sit for 15 to 30 minutes before flushing with hot water. Repeat as necessary to fully dislodge the hair clog.
For difficult blockages, the drain cleaner may need to sit overnight. Safe for pipes and septic systems, this cleaner is designed for bathroom sinks and shower drains. It’s not recommended for toilets, garbage disposals, or dishwashers. Wear thick rubber gloves during application.
Get the Whink drain cleaner for hair at Amazon or Walmart.
Best Bang for the Buck
Drano Max Gel Clog Remover
Product Specs
- Type: Gel
- Working time: 15 to 30 minutes
- Odor removing: No
Pros
- Safe for use on PVC, metal, garbage disposals, and septic systems
- Thick gel consistency sinks in standing water to dissolve and remove hair and soap scum
- Protects pipes from becoming eroded; safe for use with all pipes
Cons
- Made with harsh chemicals; may not be ideal for the eco-conscious consumer
- Should not be used to remove clogs in toilets
Drano’s Max Gel Clog Remover utilizes bleach to clean and clear pipes. The
thick gel consistency adheres better to dirty surfaces to dissolve hair and soap scum. The gel is heavy enough to move through standing water to get to the source of the block. Drano Max Gel may break up small hair clogs in 15 minutes, but leave it for at least 30 minutes for better results. Although it’s composed of corrosive chemicals, it should be safe for most pipes and to leave in pipes overnight.
Get the Drano drain cleaner for hair at Amazon (2-pack) or Walmart.
Best Natural
Bio-Clean Bacteria Waste Eliminator
Product Specs
- Type: Powder
- Working time: 6 to 8 hours
- Odor removing: No
Pros
- Natural formula is safe for skin, pipes, drains, and septic systems
- Works on hair clogs, organic matter, grease, food, and toilet paper products
- Fast-acting formula removes tough types of clogs overnight
Cons
- Longer working time compared to similar options
- Requires mixing and preparation before use
- Pricey compared to some other options on the market
By using natural enzymes that digest clog-causing proteins, Bio-Clean’s powder drain cleaner product is a safe way to clean and maintain pipes, drains, and septic systems. Bio-Clean’s formula includes no harsh or dangerous chemicals, which means that it’s skin- and pipe-friendly. This natural cleaner can get rid of hair clogs, organic matter, grease, and food, and it can even liquefy some paper products.
After dissolving the powder in warm water, pour the mixture into the drain. Wait for at least 6 to 8 hours before flushing with water. As a natural enzymatic cleaner, this product isn’t as fast-acting as some of the alternatives, but it’s a natural choice for your home.
Get the Bio-Clean drain cleaner for hair at Amazon or Walmart.
Best Fast-Acting
Professor Amos Super Fast Drain Cleaner
Product Specs
- Type: Liquid
- Working time: 10 minutes
- Odor removing: Yes
Pros
- Commercial-strength formula removes all hair clogs and unwanted odors
- Safe to use on PVC, copper, and steel pipes as well as septic systems
- Ample quantity provided for multiple applications
Cons
- May not be safe for dishwashers, toilets, and garbage disposals
The Professor Amos SuperFast drain cleaner is an excellent commercial-grade option for those who need their pipes unclogged fast. After pouring it slowly down the drain, wait for 15 minutes, and flush with hot water. If the clog persists, the company recommends repeating the process. This drain cleaner is formulated to dissolve difficult hair clogs caused by pets or long hair. It’s safe for all types of pipes, including PVC, copper, and steel.
Get the Professor Amos drain cleaner for hair at Amazon.
Best Snake Drain
FlexiSnake Drain Weasel Hair Clog Kit
Product Specs
- Type: Snake
- Working time: Immediate
- Odor removing: No
Pros
- 360-degree rotating handle and 18-inch length provide plenty of reach
- Strong micro hooks grab and hold onto loose and stuck-on hair and grime
- 5 units provided for multiple applications or long-term coverage
Cons
- Some users report limited durability or ineffectual use
One of the quickest ways to remove a hair clog is with a drain snake. The Drain Weasel’s 360-degree rotating handle spins an 18-inch wand tipped with strong micro hooks to grab clogged hair. After inserting the rod, spin the hooks and pull up the debris. Five disposable wands come with the Drain Weasel.
Get the FlexiSnake drain cleaner for hair at Amazon or Walmart (3 units).
Best Hair Clog Preventer
TubShroom the Revolutionary Tub Drain Protector
Product Specs
- Type: Hair catcher
- Working time: Immediate
- Odor removing: No
Pros
- Easy to install and fits in most tub, shower, and sink drains
- Simple to remove hair after use; pull up the unit and swipe the hair off
- Ergonomic design doesn’t interrupt the water flow (even when it is full of hair)
- Comes in multiple colors to suit most users’ preferences or match a room’s current decor
Cons
- May be tricky to remove hair that has become knotted
The TubShroom Drain Protector is an
with a unique design. Its functional mushroom-shape catcher keeps unsightly trapped hair inside the drain making an excellent preventative cleaner for hair.
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 bathroom tub 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.
Get the TubShroom drain cleaner for hair at Amazon or Walmart.
Best Odorless
Thrift Drain Cleaner
Product Specs
- Type: Powder
- Working time: 1 minute
- Odor removing: No
Pros
- Liquifies hair, grime, and sludge quickly and effectively in 60 seconds
- The odorless formula does not leave behind a strong or chemical smell
- Suitable for sinks, tubs, and showers; also safe to use on septic systems
Cons
- Not suitable for toilets or garbage disposals
- Gloves and eyewear are recommended while using
- Needs to be stored carefully; may not be ideal for the chemical-conscious consumer
Without the fumes that many chemical drain cleaners produce, Thrift’s alkaline drain cleaner clears hair clogs by liquefying the hair. Thrift’s odorless dry granules are activated by hot water to dissolve the sticky grime and organic matter that traps hair without damaging pipes or brass, porcelain, and metal fixtures.
This product is intended for use in sinks, tubs, and shower drains. However, it’s not designed to be used in toilets or sink disposals. Thrift requires careful storage, and users should wear protective goggles and gloves during application.
Get the Thrift drain cleaner for hair at Amazon or Walmart.
Also Consider
Forlivese Drain Hair Clog Remover
Product Specs
- Type: Snake
- Working time: Immediate
- Odor removing: No
Pros
- 5-in-1 kit; comes with 3 plastic drain snakes and 2 stainless steel drain snakes
- Varying lengths of the drain snakes can take care of clogs up to 40 inches deep in the drain
- The stainless steel gripper tool can hold onto tough clogs for removal
- Each plastic drain snake has sharp hooks for removing loose hair in the drains
Cons
- Some users have reported difficulty using the plastic drain snakes
Tough hair clogs that need a lot of elbow grease can be solved with this Forlivese hair clog remover. This effective 5-in-1 drain clog remover comes with three 20.1-inch plastic drain snakes as well as a 24-inch and 40-inch stainless steel drain snake for tackling clogs that are both shallow and deep in kitchen or bathroom drains.
Each of the plastic drain snakes is made with sharp hooks to grab loose grime and hair while the metal options come with a spring or gripper design. One of the more unique tools in this package is the gripper tool, which operates with a spring handle, grabbing and holding onto tough clogs for removal. All of these drain cleaners are also made with handles for easy grip and control while in use.
Get the Forlivese drain cleaner for hair at Amazon.
Jump to Our Top Picks
What to Consider When Choosing a Drain Cleaner for Hair
The different types of drain cleaners aren’t the only shopping considerations. When trying to clear a hair clog, most consumers want to consider several other characteristics, including organic vs. chemical, working time, odor removal, and application method. Before you make your own drain cleaner, consider some of the most important features to consider.
Types of Drain Cleaners
When shopping for the best drain cleaner for hair, there are multiple options. Several kinds of drain cleaners, including liquids, gels, powders, and drain snakes, are in today’s marketplace. While all these types of drain cleaners can help solve your plumbing issues, they work differently, depending on the drainage issue and individual preference.
Liquids
Liquid drain cleaners, a common solution to quickly dissolve a pesky drain blockage, typically combine bleach and lye to create liquid with natural enzymes or corrosive chemicals that dissolve or loosen hair clogs. Use liquid drain cleaners to break up minor hair blocks when they begin to form. They’re usually slightly less expensive than gel drain cleaners. Store drain cleaners, including liquid varieties, out of the reach of young children or pets.
Gels
Made with a formula similar to a liquid drain cleaner, gel drain cleaners contain an additional thickening agent. Gel drain cleaners are designed specifically to move through pipes slower than liquids, so the active ingredients have more time to eat away at the grime that’s stuck to pipe walls. Gel also is better at attaching to the hair that causes clogs, dissolving it more quickly than most liquids. Overall, a gel drain cleaner is more efficient than a liquid cleaner at breaking up a tough hair clog, but it can be more expensive.
Powders and Granules
Granular and powder drain cleaners have a dry consistency. After pouring a scoop of the cleaner down the drain, flush the drain with water to cut through grease and hair. When hot or cold water comes into contact with the powder, the chemical agents are activated to dissolve grime and hair buildup. Powders and granules are best for flushing away the grease and oils that coat pipes that catch hair. They also can be a good option for tackling clumps of hair in the drain.
Pods
Another type of drain cleaner, pods are similar to laundry or dishwashing detergent pods. The cleaning agent is wrapped in a thin shell that dissolves when it comes into contact with water. Most pods are better at deodorizing a drain than unclogging it, and in fact, they may exacerbate a blockage if it’s severe. Drain-cleaning pods are best for pipe maintenance after a clog has been dislodged to help create a fresh scent and deter the residual buildup that’s responsible for trapping hair in pipes.
Drain Snake
A drain snake is a long tool designed to take out the physical material that’s clogging your drain. To use a drain snake, first feed it into the pipe until it meets resistance. Next, use the handle to rotate the tool, breaking up the clog, or grabbing it. After the clog seems to be weakening, pull up the snake along with the clog out of your pipe. Lastly, run hot water to drain away anything that remains. Repeat the process as often as necessary to completely unclog a pipe.
Drain snakes may take care of smaller clogs without the use of another type of drain cleaner. Environmentally-conscious consumers, in particular, may want to try to clear their clogs with a drain snake before trying other methods. While snakes may help get rid of most of the scum and hair, a liquid, gel, or powder drain cleaner can usually finish dissolving the hair and remove built-up scum that coats pipes.
Organic vs. Chemical
Drain cleaners for hair clogs usually fall into one of two categories: organic or chemical. This distinction refers to the active ingredients in the drain cleaner that dissolve or break up clogs.
An organic or natural drain cleaner is typically enzyme-based, and it utilizes bacteria to break down organic proteins, including hair, mildew, and food particles. They don’t contain harsh chemicals and are less corrosive than chemical drain cleaners. While natural enzymatic drain cleaners are less toxic, they also are typically less powerful and slower at breaking up hair clogs.
Chemical cleaners are either alkaline-based, with ingredients such as sodium hydroxide (lye) and potassium hydroxide (caustic potash); or acid-based, with high concentrations of sulfuric acid (oil of vitriol). Both types of drain cleaners can dissolve hair in pipes. Chemical cleaners are more corrosive; in fact, they may eventually damage your plumbing if used frequently or in large amounts. They must be safely handled and carefully stored.
Working Time
Every drain cleaner has a prescribed working time that dictates how long the product needs to sit in the pipes before it’s flushed or washed away. Working time can vary, depending on the type of drain cleaner and the severity of the clog.
The product’s label indicates how long to wait for the drain cleaner to work. It can be as short as 15 to 20 minutes, but sometimes, the manufacturer recommends letting the cleaner remain undisturbed in the pipe overnight. Chemical gels and liquids usually have a shorter working time compared to natural enzyme cleaners.
Odor Removal
If hair or another substance has blocked the drain for a long time, the drain may have an unpleasant odor. This odor is caused by bacteria that grows in the dirt and hair stuck in the pipes. Most drain cleaners also effectively eliminate the odors associated with clogs as they dissolve and flush away the debris.
However, some drain cleaners emit unpleasant fumes as they work. If sensitivity to odors is a concern, look for an odorless drain cleaner designed to eliminate the odor.
Application
When your pipe starts to show signs of a hair clog, the first step is to use a drain snake to remove as much of the debris as possible. A drain snake can break up the biggest blocks and prime your pipes for the second step: drain cleaner.
With the exception of the drain snake, the application process for most drain cleaners is quite similar. First, read the directions on the label. Many cleaners recommend safety goggles or gloves to protect your eyes and skin during use. The label also should tell you how much cleaner to use based on the type of drain that needs unblocking.
After you pour in the correct amount of gel, liquid, or powder, wait the recommended time for the cleaner to break up the clog. The last step in clearing a clog is to flush your pipes with either hot or cold water, as directed. Difficult blockages may require more than one application.
FAQs
If you still have questions about the best drain cleaners for hair clogs, this section may help. Find the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about drain cleaners for hair clogs here.
Q. Why does hair clog drains?
Hair gets stuck in drains when the insides of the pipes become coated with soap scum, grease, and oils. When hair flows down the drain, this coating is “tacky,” so hair sticks and slowly collects until a clog forms.
Q. How do I stop my hair from clogging the drain?
The best way to stop a hair clog from forming is to use a drain cover. Routine cleaning and maintenance help prevent sticky grime and sludge from coating the walls of pipes.
Q. Will shaving in the shower clog the drain?
Shaving can cause or exacerbate a clog, especially if you use a thick shaving cream or high-lather soap. When you shave, rinse with hot water to help dissolve the soap residue left behind.
Why Trust Bob Vila
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.