We have a Watco drain in both our bathrooms; we would like to take them out and clean them from the hair... is there a secret to removing them easily?

Are those drains in sink or tubs ?

You can remove stopper and than access drain through this opening. Also, you can remove overflow plate on tub and insert drain snake through there.

I am enclosing exploded view of four basic Watco drains for your reference...

Good Luck... Milo