Why You Should Avoid Hair in the Drain

Hair in the drain may seem like a small issue, but over time, it can turn into a major plumbing headache. Whether you’re washing your hair in the shower or brushing it over the sink, hair that slips into the drain can create clogs, bad odors, and even lead to costly repairs.

If you’ve ever dealt with slow-draining water or strange gurgling sounds coming from your pipes, hair buildup could be the culprit.

Hair Is the #1 Cause of Clogs

Hair strands may be thin, but they’re surprisingly strong. When they enter your drain, they can easily get stuck in the pipe walls or around the drain stopper. Over time, they tangle, combine with soap scum, and form a solid mass that restricts water flow — leading to clogs and slow drainage.

Why it matters:

What starts as a minor blockage can eventually cause a complete obstruction, forcing water to back up or even overflow.

Clogged Drains Can Lead to Bad Odors

Hair mixed with soap, dirt, skin cells, and other debris creates a perfect breeding ground for bacteria. This buildup can emit a foul odor that rises through your drain and spreads through your bathroom or kitchen.

Why it matters:

You can clean your bathroom top to bottom, but if the source of the smell is in your drain, it won’t go away until the clog is gone.

Hair Buildup Can Damage Your Plumbing System

Left unchecked, clogs caused by hair can increase pressure inside your pipes. This can lead to cracks, leaks, or even pipe bursts — especially in older plumbing systems.

Why it matters:

Repairs for pipe damage can be expensive and disruptive, sometimes requiring cutting into walls or floors.

It Encourages Costly Maintenance and Repairs

If you’re constantly calling a plumber to unclog your drain, those service charges can add up. And if a simple snaking doesn’t do the job, you could be looking at a full drain cleaning or pipe replacement.

Why it matters:

A little prevention can save you a lot of money over time.

Hair Can Affect Other Parts of the System

If the clog isn't addressed, it can affect other areas of your home’s plumbing. Showers, sinks, and even toilets can begin draining more slowly or inconsistently due to backup in the pipes.

Why it matters:

One neglected drain can impact your entire plumbing system.

How to Prevent Hair From Clogging Your Drain

Now that we’ve covered the risks, here’s what you can do to prevent hair from causing problems in the first place:

Use a Drain Cover or Hair Catcher

Install a simple mesh screen or silicone hair catcher over your shower or sink drain to trap hair before it enters the pipes.

Brush Your Hair Before Showering

Brushing out loose hairs before you bathe reduces how much ends up in the drain.

Clean the Drain Regularly

Even with a drain cover, some hair may sneak through. Regularly remove any visible hair from the drain and rinse it with hot water.

Try a Natural Drain Cleaner

Once a month, pour a mixture of baking soda and vinegar down the drain followed by hot water. This can help break down buildup before it becomes a problem.

Avoid Using Harsh Chemical Cleaners

These may seem effective, but they can damage your pipes over time and aren't always safe for the environment.