Hair clogs are the number one reason homeowners call a plumber for a slow drain. A $10 hair catcher would have prevented all of it. As a plumber who’s snaked more shower drains than I can count, I can tell you exactly which catchers work and which ones you’ll throw away after two weeks.
| Product | Best For | Price |
|---|---|---|
| TubShroom Ultra | Best Overall | ~$14 |
| OXO Good Grips Strainer | Best Flat/Stainless | ~$10 |
| Danco Hair Catcher Strainer | Best Budget | ~$5 |
Best Overall: TubShroom Ultra
The TubShroom design is genuinely clever — instead of sitting on top of your drain, it inserts inside it. Hair wraps around the mushroom-shaped body instead of going down the drain. You clean it by sliding it out and wiping off the hair. Takes 10 seconds.
It fits standard 1.5″ to 1.75″ drain openings and doesn’t obstruct water flow at all. In my experience, this is the first hair catcher design that doesn’t slow drainage even slightly.
- ✅ Sits inside drain — no standing water
- ✅ Catches virtually all hair
- ✅ 10-second cleanup
- ❌ Doesn’t fit non-standard drain sizes
Best Flat/Stainless: OXO Good Grips Shower Stall Drain Protector
If your drain doesn’t accept an insert-style catcher, or you prefer stainless steel over silicone, the OXO is the best flat option. The micro-holes are small enough to catch fine hair without noticeably slowing drainage. The raised center makes it easy to lift out and clean.
- ✅ Stainless steel — won’t discolor
- ✅ Works on any standard drain
- ✅ Easy to lift and rinse
- ❌ Slightly more noticeable visually
Best Budget: Danco Hair Catcher Strainer
If you just need something functional at minimum cost, the Danco gets the job done. It’s a simple silicone strainer that sits over your drain. Clean it every few showers and it’ll prevent clogs indefinitely. Not glamorous, but effective.
- ✅ Under $5
- ✅ Works on any flat drain
- ✅ Flexible silicone — easy to clean
- ❌ Can hold standing water if hair accumulates fast
How to Install
No installation required for most hair catchers. For the TubShroom Ultra: remove your existing drain cover (unscrew it or just lift it off), slide the TubShroom into the drain opening, and you’re done. For flat strainers, simply set them over the drain.
Plumber’s tip: If your drain is already slow, snake it before installing a hair catcher. Otherwise you’re trapping hair on top of an existing clog — which makes things worse.
FAQ
How often should I clean my hair catcher?
Once a week is ideal. For households with multiple people showering daily, check it every 3–4 days. A clogged hair catcher is almost as bad as no hair catcher.
Will a hair catcher slow my drainage?
A quality catcher like the TubShroom won’t slow drainage at all. Flat strainers can cause slight pooling if they get full — clean them regularly and this isn’t an issue.
What if my drain cover won’t come off?
Most shower drain covers either lift off or have a single center screw. If yours is corroded in place, soak it with white vinegar for 10 minutes, then try again with a flathead screwdriver.
Bottom Line
Buy the TubShroom Ultra. It’s the best $14 you’ll spend on plumbing all year. It catches everything, it’s easy to clean, and it won’t slow your drain. For non-standard drains, the OXO stainless strainer is the next best option.