The iconic wartime hairstyle.
Victory Rolls were a symbol of strength, femininity and wartime resilience. Today, Victory Rolls has become one of the most recognizable looks of the 1940s. Re-creating this popular hairstyle is actually easier than what most people think. With a few tools and the right technique, this classic hairstyle that defined the era, can be achieved.
What You’ll Need
- A curling iron or hot rollers
- Strong‑hold hairspray
- Bobby pins
- A teasing comb
- A smoothing brush
- Setting clips (optional)
- A little patience — the 1940s were all about precision (don’t be discouraged if the Victory Rolls hairstyle doesn’t turn out the first time around, sometimes it takes practice).
Step 1: Create the Foundation Curl
Start by curling the front sections of your hair away from your face. This gives the roll its shape and makes the hair easier to mold.
- Use a 1–1.25 inch curling iron.
- Curl from root to tip.
- Pin each curl to cool for extra hold.
This step mimics the heat‑set curls women created with pin curls in the 1940s.
Step 2: Section the Hair for Your Rolls
There are three types of rolls for this hairstyle, which are:
- Double Victory Rolls (one on each side — the classic look).
- A Single Side Roll (glamorous and asymmetrical).
- A Crown Roll (rolled across the top of the head).
Part your hair accordingly and clip away the sections you aren’t working on.
Step 3: Tease the Base for Volume
Victory Rolls need structure. Therefore, lightly backcomb the base of each section to give the roll height and stability.
- Tease only the roots.
- Smooth the top layer so it stays polished.
This creates that signature 1940s lift.
Step 4: Roll the Hair Into Shape
This is the heart of the style.
- Hold the curled section straight up.
- Wrap the ends around two fingers (or a small roller).
- Roll downward toward the scalp, keeping the shape open and cylindrical.
- Position the roll where you want it — high and proud for a classic look.
- Pin discreetly inside the roll using bobby pins.
The roll should look like a smooth, sculpted loop.
Step 5: Secure and Perfect the Shape
Use bobby pins to anchor the roll from the inside so they stay hidden. Then:
- smooth flyaways
- adjust the height
- refine the curve
- spray generously with hairspray
Victory Rolls were meant to be structured, as opposed to soft.
Step 6: Style the Rest of the Hair
You can finish the look in several authentic 1940s ways:
- Soft waves brushed from pin curls
- A pageboy curl at the ends
- A tidy bun or chignon
- Loose curls for a Hollywood finish
Women in the 1940s often paired Victory Rolls with practical, pinned‑up styles during wartime factory work.
Why Victory Rolls Still Matter
Victory Rolls remain iconic because they represent strength, femininity, patriotism, glamour in hard times and the creativity of women during WWII
Victory Rolls are a piece of history you can wear.
I’m Stacey Hobbs, thanks for reading. Until next time!
do you feel fabulous today?
Face by Stace 