Hair commonly collects just below the drain cover or catches in soap buildup, so mechanical removal should come before chemical drain products. The closer the blockage is to the surface, the simpler it usually is to remove.
Remove the drain cover only if it comes off easily
Take a photo before removing screws or parts and do not force a corroded cover. Wearing gloves, pull out visible hair with tweezers or a drain-cleaning tool designed for the job.
Do not push the clog deeper
A flexible drain stick or barbed tool should hook the hair and pull it out rather than compacting it farther down the pipe. Work slowly so the tool does not break off inside the drain.
Rinse and check drainage
After removing the debris, run hot tap water and see whether drainage returns to normal. Avoid boiling water on piping or shower bases that could be damaged by high heat.
If it returns quickly, look farther downstream
A drain that stays slow after all accessible hair is removed may have hardened soap or a deeper obstruction. At that point, an appropriate snake or plumber is safer than combining chemical drain cleaners.