If you want to grow long hair, then it’s important to accurately measure the length of hair during each length check.
We suggest using a length check t-shirt.
You may be asking yourself, what do you mean by “length check t-shirt”.
Simply put – a length check t-shirt provides an easy way to accurately measure your hair growth over a period of time.
These t-shirts not are exclusive to natural hair; they are for anyone who wants to track their hair growth without the hassle of using a yard stick, measuring tape or a comb.
The t-shirt is designed to make measuring easier and more consistent.
When creating your t-shirt, you will need:
- T-shirt
- Bra
- Measuring tape
- Sharpe Black pointed tip marker
- Ruler or long sturdy straight edge for drawing lines
- Something to put inside the t-shirt, just in case the Sharpe bleeds through
Create your t-shirt:
Step #1: Put on the t-shirt.
Step #2: Create your shoulder length (SL) measurement. Use the measuring tape to measure from the center (middle) of your head to the top of the shirt (collar). This measurement represents the length of your hair from the center of your head to your shoulders.
Step #3: Create your armpit length (APL) measurement. Hold one arm out horizontally. Then, take the black marker and place it directly underneath your armpit and mark the location of your armpit on the t-shirt. This measurement represents the length of your hair from the center of your head to your armpit.
Step #4: Create your bra strap length (BSL) and middle back length (MBL) measurements. Note: BSL measurements will be different for each woman, since each bra does not stop in the same place for each woman. Reach around to the back of the shirt and make two spots: one on top of the bra strap (BSL) and one directly below it, which you can use as a middle back length (MBL) measurement.
An alternative way to creating MBL measurement is to wrap the measuring tape just under your bust line. Next, mark a spot just above the measuring tape to mark your MBL.
Step #5: Create your waist length hair (WL) measurement. First, let’s accurately find your waist. Stand in an upright position and lean to one side. This will cause a natural crease at your waist. Place your hands on your waist to hold the place. With the Sharpe marker, mark the spot.
Step #6: Now that all of the major milestones have been marked. It is time to go back and draw lines on the t-shirt. Take the shirt off and lay it on a sturdy surface. Place something inside the t-shirt to prevent the marker from bleeding through.
Place a ruler or straight edge on the t-shirt in the appropriate spots (ex. at the APL spot) and make 4 dots with the marker from the left to the right side of the t-shirt. This step allows you to make sure that the line will be straight before you actually draw it in. If the dots are straight, go ahead and draw the full line across the t-shirt. If not, repeat this step by drawing more dots until you are satisfied.
Step #7: Measure the distance between SL and APL. Make a mark for each inch and make 4 dots across from the left side to the right side of the t-shirt. If the dots are straight, go ahead and draw the full line across the t-shirt. Now, repeat this step for APL to MBL and for MBL to WL.
Step #8: Extend the lines drawn on the back of your t-shirt to the front using 4 dots along the front to ensure the lines are straight. When you are comfortable, draw a solid line connecting the dots. You now own a length check shirt that measures the front and the back.
Once you finish creating your length check t-shirt, be sure to take a picture and upload it to your photo album.
About Jael Byrd
Neat trick! I have one question though. Would you say that this should be done when you flat iron your hair, or at it’s curly, state? Just wondering, because I know that my hair is in between BSL and WL when straightened.
Thanks! I length check with my hair as is (non straighten). I normally just stretch my hair when I am detangling. However, you can do it any time. Although, I do not recommend stretching your hair constantly.
You can definitely use this when your hair is straightened as well. Heck, you can even measure when your hair twisted. I would suggest that whatever method you choose to use, just be consistent so you can keep a good measure.
Okay, thanks! I’ll do that. I never heard of this method before so it’s sounds kinds of fun for me. I did my “dc” today…..( I was way over do 12 days to be exact) Agh! I did a comb through since I don’t have to detangle as much and from what you described in your blog, I was able to visualize what the lengths are and so on. I do have a desire in mind where I want my hair length to be in it’s curly state and I believe it will get there when it wants to, so I won’t need to worry about stretching my hair over the obsession of length. I’ll just let it do what it do. I am just grateful for the texture of hair the Lord gave me! So with all this jargen said, again thanks and I will keep you guys informed of my natural hair journey!
I look forward to an update
Thanx thats a GREAT idea!
Ambee Jai, you are welcome!
I’m lazy. I just went and bought one. I hesitated for a while telling myself I’d just make one after seeing a vid on YT but then I just caved and bought it.
LOL! That’s ok- just don’t be lazy when it comes to measuring. Fudging and being lazy with the numbers is not a good thing
The goal is to keep good measurements for milestones and such. Like, my goal for the year is to be BSL by the end of Dec. I took an unofficial measurement and I am pretty close. It looks like I may make my mile stone 
My goal was bsl by year end all around but i don’t think my crown will make it in time. I’ve extended it to April to be more realistic. My back will definitely make it because it’s already armpit length. The crown is only about 6 inches. I have to give it more time.
My crown area is shorter as well. I was bout 1/2 an inch away in the back. All over will definitely be mid next year sometime. I will keep ya’ posted on my measurements.
Wow! This is a great idea, this will make length checks so much easier!
It definitely will! I will be posting my shirt soon
I just made my shirt FINALLY! I stopped my measuring point at MBL I dont think I could handle my hair being any longer than that. I’ll be doing a length check at the end of the month. Will post pics.
@ambeejai1 Congrats. I’m looking forward to seeing the photos.