One of the most common questions we hear is:
"Is my hair actually growing?"
The truth is that most people don't have a growth problem.
They have a measurement problem.
If you don't measure consistently, it's almost impossible to know whether your routine is working, whether your retention is improving, or whether you're actually reaching your hair goals.
This week, we're going to show you how to properly track your progress so you can stop guessing and start measuring.
GROWTH AND RETENTION ARE NOT THE SAME THING
Before we talk about measuring, let's talk about what we're actually measuring.
Hair growth happens at the scalp.
Hair retention happens at the ends.
Your hair may be growing perfectly well, but if you're losing length through breakage, excessive trimming, dryness, or damage, it may feel like your hair isn't growing at all.
That's why we focus so heavily on retention.
The goal isn't just to grow hair.
The goal is to keep what you grow.
UNDERSTANDING HAIR LENGTH CHECKS
Many people use standard natural hair milestones to track progress.
These include:
• Ear Length (EL)
• Collarbone Length (CBL)
• Shoulder Length (SL)
• Armpit Length (APL)
• Bra Strap Length (BSL)
• Mid-Back Length (MBL)
• Waist Length (WL)
• Hip Length (HL)
• Tailbone Length (TBL)
These milestones are useful because they give you visual checkpoints as your hair journey progresses.
However, they should be used as general guides rather than exact measurements.
Everyone's body proportions are different.
THE BEST WAY TO MEASURE YOUR HAIR
If you're serious about tracking progress, use a soft sewing measuring tape.
These flexible measuring tapes are inexpensive, easy to use, and provide much more accurate measurements than simply looking in the mirror.
For the most accurate results:
• Use the same measuring tape every time
• Measure from the same starting point
• Measure the same section of hair
• Record your measurements
• Take photos for comparison
Consistency is more important than perfection.
CHOOSE ONE SECTION AND STICK WITH IT
One mistake many people make is measuring different areas every month.
The front may be shorter.
The crown may be longer.
The sides may grow differently.
If you're tracking progress seriously, select a specific section and measure that exact section every time.
Examples include:
• Center front
• Crown
• Left side
• Right side
• Nape
Write down which section you're measuring and continue measuring that same section throughout your journey.
This gives you meaningful data instead of random numbers.
HOW TO MEASURE CURLY HAIR
Natural hair shrinks.
Sometimes dramatically.
That's why measuring curls in their fully shrunken state usually isn't very helpful.
Instead:
• Stretch the curl gently
• Measure from root to tip
• Use consistent tension each time
• Avoid pulling excessively
The goal is consistency, not making the hair appear longer than it actually is.
Some people choose to blow dry their hair before measuring.
Others prefer stretched twists or braids.
Either method can work.
The key is doing it the same way each time.
TRACKING YOUR PROGRESS
A simple tracking system can make a huge difference.
Record:
• Date
• Measurement
• Style
• Notes
• Photos
This allows you to see patterns over time and identify what routines are producing the best results.
Many people are surprised to discover they have made much more progress than they realized.
MEASURING BEFORE AND AFTER DUSTING
One of our favorite uses for measurements is before and after dusting.
Dusting is different from trimming.
The goal of dusting is simply to remove damaged ends while preserving as much length as possible.
By measuring before and after, you can confirm that you're only removing what is necessary.
Remember:
Healthy ends help you retain length.
The goal is not to remove growth.
The goal is to protect it.
OUR FAVORITE STYLE FOR RETENTION
If your primary goal is retention, one of our favorite styles is the Emery Bun.
The Emery Bun helps:
• Protect the ends
• Reduce manipulation
• Minimize friction
• Preserve moisture
• Maintain a polished appearance
It's simple, versatile, and easy to maintain.
The less unnecessary manipulation your hair experiences, the easier retention becomes.
DON'T FORGET THE FOUNDATION
Measurements are helpful.
Photos are helpful.
Length checks are helpful.
But none of them replace a healthy routine.
Continue focusing on:
• Clean scalp care
• Consistent moisture
• Proper application
• Curl definition
• Nighttime maintenance
• Protective styling
• Retention-focused habits
These are the things that produce measurable results.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Growth is exciting.
But tracking your growth accurately can be just as important.
When you measure consistently, document your progress, and focus on retention, you remove the guesswork from your journey.
The next time someone asks whether your hair is growing, you won't have to wonder.
You'll know.
And with the right routine, healthy retention habits, and consistent care, you'll be able to keep more of the hair you grow.
That's what the journey is all about.
