It’s a common – but not talked about – issue for curlies. Your tub stops draining. When you reach down to unclog it, out comes a slimy hairball the size of a large rat.
“I used to have my fiancee do it. Now I get my daughter to do it. When it gets too bad, I always buy the liquid plummer type stuff to dissolve it. And it saves me from hurling. Even though it is my hair, once it leaves my head I am immediately disgusted by it.” – CurlTalker Lovemylocks
“Everyday I have to clean out the shower and the sink. So gross, but it needs to be done.” – CurlTalker KinkyCurlyGirl
“My hair sheds EVERYDAY and so my bathroom sink and bathtub pipes get clogged. I try to put as much of the hair in the trash as I can but I’m not able catch all of it, especially when I wash. This is creating a problem. Any suggestions? I’m really sick of all these little curly balls of hair LOL” – CurlTalker Curlista93
From Turbo Snakes to Drain Weasels to Drain Wigs, there are inexpensive tools out there to help the curlies of the world keep their tubs draining and their significant others happy.
There are two main issues when it comes to curly clogs: How do you unclog a drain already filled with hair? And how do you prevent the hair from clogging your drain in the first place?
We asked around the NaturallyCurly office and the most common method for preventing a clog is hands down: putting the hair on the wall.
6 Tools for Preventing a Clog
We asked around the NaturallyCurly office and the most common method for preventing a clog is hands down: putting the hair on the wall. It may sound unappealing, but we’d rather do that than have to deal with the mess of cleaning out a drain. Here are some other tactics for preventing the clog in the first place.
Stop-A-Clog
This mildew-resistant plastic drain protector fits over the bathtub drain. NaturallyCurly Editor Devri says “I’ve been using Stop a Clog for a couple years now, and I replace it every few months. I get mine in a set of 2 at Bed Bath & Beyond.”
If you can’t clear a clog after a few attempts, you may need to call in the professionals. Exerting too much force can permanently damage a pipe.
Hair Snare Drain Cover Universal
NaturallyCurly contributor Christina Patrice says “It catches all my shed hairs, which also helps me keep track of how much hair I’m losing on wash day. A nifty little hack: if your drain is not inverted, just flip the trap upside down and it works just the same.”
DrainWig
The stainless steel chain is inserted into the drain and the rubber whiskers catches the hair. NaturallyCurly Managing Editor Cristina has used this product and said “The product recommends removing the hair catcher after 2-4 months, but for curly or thick hair I think you’d do better to take out it out once a month instead.”
TubShroom
TubShroom fits inside the drain, collecting hair around it. This is a favorite for many NaturallyCurly community members: “TUBSHROOM!! AH-mazing!!” says community member Annette Trinkle.
OXO Good Grips Bathtub Drain Protector
Rust-proof stainless steel drain protector neatly covers bathtub drain with a hole pattern that effectively catches hair without blocking water drainage. A silicone rim keeps the drain Protector in place and prevents it from sliding around.
Evriholder Hairstopper
Its large surface area ensures all hair and dirt is trapped before it clogs the drain.
Danco Hair Catcher
Constructed of flexible PVC, this hair catcher allows for easy placement in the tub drain.
How to Unclog Your Drain
Is it too late, and you’re dealing with water pooling around your feet when you shower? (We’ve all been there”>. If you prefer the natural route, you can always start with everyone’s favorite multi-purpose items: baking soda and vinegar. According to WikiHow, the first step should be to remove the strainer or stopper from the drain and cleaning off any gunk. Then, boil water in a tea kettle and pour it into the drain. After you’ve poured the water in, mix 1⁄4 cup of baking soda with 1 cup of vinegar and pour the mixture down the clogged drain.
Wait 15-20 minutes and then pour more boiling water down the drain to finish unclogging your tub. If this method doesn’t work, keep reading to learn how to use a toilet plunger or a chemical drain cleaner to solve your problem.
What if that doesn’t work?
If that doesn’t work, use a tool designed to unclog it.
“I don’t know how something can be so disgusting yet SO gratifying at the same time!” said community member Jessica Enyart.
9 Tools for Unclogging Your drain
Turbo Snake Drain Hair Removal Tool
Specially designed head grabs and locks onto hair clogs to remove and free the drain.
Cobra Products Zip-It Drain Cleaning Tool
This multi-tooth clog remover efficiently catches hair.
Flexisnake Drain Millipede Hair Clog Tool
The Millipede’s full 18-inch length is covered with over 4,000 micro-hooks, making it possible to tackle even the toughest bathroom hair clogs.
Drain Snake Hair Drain Clog Remover Cleaning Tool
With tiny hooks for catching hair clogs to remove and free the drain instantly, this plastic device guarantees no-hassle cleaning of sink and tub drains.
Whink Hair Clog Blaster
This is a super fast acting bathroom drain opener designed to specifically attack and break down hair clogs quickly.
Drain Weasel Hair Clog Tool
The Drain Weasel Plus has a reusable handle and disposable wands with Velcro brand hooks, so you can quickly and safely clear that hair-clogged bathroom drain.
Green Gobbler Hair Grabber
Lower this durable plastic snake as far into the drain as possible and then slowly pull back the snake allowing it to grab all the hair that is blocking the line. Clean off and repeat the process as needed.
Green Gobbler Drain Opener
The green gobbler is meant to dissolve hair, paper, soap scum, oil, and organic matter.
Oatey 20410 Glug Drain Opener
Non-acid crystals clear sluggish drains and prevent clogs.
NaturallyCurly World weigh in: How do you deal with this common curly problem? Have you found a tool that works?
Read next: 5 Easy Shower Hacks to Help You Lose Less Hair
