Hair clogs are one of the most common issues that lead to clogged drains in bathrooms, particularly in sinks, tubs, and showers. Over time, hair buildup can form tough clogs that are difficult to remove with regular cleaning products. A drain snake is one of the best tools to remove hair from drains effectively. In this guide, we’ll review the best drain snakes for hair removal, highlighting their features, benefits, and which ones are most suited for tackling hair-related clogs.
1. **FlexiSnake Drain Clog Remover**
Type: Manual Drain Snake
Why It’s Great: The FlexiSnake Drain Clog Remover is a popular manual tool specifically designed for removing hair clogs. It’s highly flexible and easy to use, making it an ideal option for DIYers. The tool is equipped with barbed hooks along its length, which latch onto hair and pull it out of the drain. This tool is particularly effective for bathroom sink, shower, and bathtub drains that are commonly clogged with hair.
Key Features:
- Flexible Design: The snake is made of a highly flexible material that can easily navigate through curved pipes and tight spaces.
- Barbed Hook Design: The barbs help grab and remove hair clogs quickly and efficiently, ensuring thorough cleaning.
- Easy to Use: The simple twist-and-pull action makes it perfect for beginners and homeowners looking for a quick solution.
- Compact and Portable: The FlexiSnake is small and lightweight, making it easy to store in your bathroom or plumbing toolbox.
- Pros:
- Highly effective for hair-related clogs.
- Affordable and easy to use for homeowners.
- Compact design for easy storage.
- Cons:
- Not suitable for deep or severe blockages.
- Limited to small clogs in bathroom drains (typically 18-24 inches in length).
Best For: DIY homeowners who need a simple, affordable solution for removing hair clogs in bathroom sinks, tubs, and showers.
2. **Ridgid K-6P Toilet Auger**
Type: Electric Drain Snake
Why It’s Great: The Ridgid K-6P is primarily designed for clearing toilet clogs, but it’s also highly effective for removing hair blockages in bathroom drains. With its 25-foot cable and high-torque motor, it can easily break through tough clogs, including those caused by hair buildup in toilets and bathroom sinks. This tool is more powerful than manual options and provides a professional-grade solution for home use.
Key Features:
- Powerful Electric Motor: The electric motor provides the necessary power to break through more stubborn hair clogs.
- 25-Foot Cable: The long cable gives you enough reach to tackle most household plumbing systems, making it ideal for both toilets and sinks.
- Ergonomic Handle: Designed for ease of use, the handle offers comfort and control during operation.
- Durable Construction: Ridgid is known for its durability, and the K-6P is built to last, ensuring reliable performance over time.
- Pros:
- Powerful and efficient for clearing tough hair clogs in toilets and sinks.
- Long cable allows for extended reach.
- Built to last, offering professional-grade reliability.
- Cons:
- Higher price point compared to manual options.
- Requires electricity, so it’s less portable than manual snakes.
Best For: Homeowners who want a powerful, electric drain snake that can handle both hair clogs and other common drain blockages.
3. **DrainX 50-Foot Drain Snake**
Type: Manual Drain Snake
Why It’s Great: The DrainX 50-Foot Drain Snake offers a longer reach than typical manual drain snakes, making it ideal for dealing with hair clogs in deeper or longer pipes. The flexible, steel cable can easily navigate through pipes with tight bends, including 90-degree elbows, which are common in bathroom plumbing. This drain snake is a great choice for DIYers who want a reliable tool for hair removal in sinks, tubs, or showers.
Key Features:
- 50-Foot Steel Cable: The long cable gives you excellent reach, allowing you to tackle blockages that are deeper in your plumbing system.
- Flexible Design: The cable is flexible enough to navigate tight turns, such as 90-degree elbows, commonly found in bathroom pipes.
- Durable Construction: Made from strong, steel material, the cable is built to last and withstand frequent use.
- Effective for Hair Clogs: It’s highly effective for hair blockages, especially in shower and bathtub drains.
- Pros:
- 50-foot reach is ideal for deeper blockages.
- Flexible enough to navigate tight turns in plumbing.
- Durable and effective for hair clogs in household plumbing systems.
- Cons:
- Requires manual effort, which can be tiring for long or tough jobs.
- Heavier and bulkier compared to shorter models.
Best For: Homeowners who need a longer reach for tackling hair clogs in deeper or longer pipes, such as in showers or tubs.
4. **K-45 FlexShaft Drain Cleaner by Ridgid**
Type: Electric Drain Snake
Why It’s Great: The Ridgid K-45 FlexShaft Drain Cleaner is an ideal choice for homeowners with frequent hair clogs in their bathroom plumbing. Its electric power ensures that you can clear tough blockages without the physical effort required for manual models. The 25-foot cable is flexible enough to navigate tight corners and remove hair blockages quickly and efficiently.
Key Features:
- Electric Motor: Provides high torque for breaking through tough clogs, including hair, grease, and soap scum.
- FlexShaft Technology: The flexible design allows for easy navigation around tight corners and bends in plumbing systems.
- 25-Foot Cable: The long cable provides ample reach for typical bathroom plumbing systems.
- Durable and Lightweight: Despite being electric, the K-45 is compact and easy to use for extended periods.
- Pros:
- Electric power makes it ideal for tough blockages without manual effort.
- Flexible design allows it to navigate tight bends and corners.
- Durable and built for long-term use.
- Cons:
- More expensive than manual options.
- Requires electricity, making it less portable compared to manual models.
Best For: Homeowners who need an electric drain snake for frequent or tough hair clogs in bathroom sinks, showers, or tubs.
5. **Ohuhu Drain Snake for Hair Clogs**
Type: Manual Drain Snake
Why It’s Great: The Ohuhu Drain Snake is a highly affordable and effective option for homeowners dealing with hair blockages in their bathroom drains. The 25-foot cable offers plenty of reach for most bathroom plumbing systems, and the flexible, ergonomic design allows you to navigate tight spaces with ease. It’s perfect for DIYers who need a simple and budget-friendly solution for hair-related clogs.
Key Features:
- 25-Foot Cable: The long cable allows you to reach most clogs in bathroom sinks, showers, and tubs.
- Ergonomic Handle: The handle is designed for comfort, making it easy to operate without straining your hands.
- Flexible Design: The cable is flexible enough to handle tight corners and bends in plumbing systems.
- Affordable: One of the most cost-effective solutions for tackling hair clogs in residential plumbing systems.
- Pros:
- Affordable and effective for light to moderate hair clogs.
- Easy to use with an ergonomic handle.
- Flexible enough for tight bends and corners.
- Cons:
- Manual operation can be tiring for long or difficult jobs.
- Not as durable as more heavy-duty models for frequent use.
Best For: Budget-conscious homeowners looking for an affordable, simple solution for light hair clogs in sinks, showers, and tubs.
Conclusion
Choosing the best drain snake for hair removal depends on the severity of the clog and the type of plumbing system you have. For light to moderate clogs, affordable manual options like the **FlexiSnake Drain Clog Remover** and **Ohuhu Drain Snake** provide effective solutions. For more severe clogs or frequent use, electric options like the **Ridgid K-6P Toilet Auger** or **Ridgid K-45 FlexShaft Drain Cleaner** offer greater power and efficiency. Consider the length, flexibility, and power of the drain snake to find the best tool for your home’s needs and to keep your drains clear of hair blockages.