Victory rolls instantly bring that classic 1940s pin‑up glam to any look, and they are still one of the most recognizable vintage hairstyles today. Originating during World War II and seen on icons like Betty Grable and Lana Turner, this rolled, sculpted hair look framed the face while keeping hair controlled and practical. Modern versions range from soft and romantic to sharp and graphic, so you can wear victory rolls to a retro party, a themed wedding, or even a fun night out. The key is clean sectioning, firm backcombing, and strong hold hairspray so the rolls stay smooth and secure. Once you understand the basic rolling technique, you can play with size, placement, and how you style the rest of your hair—up, down, or half‑up. Below, you’ll find 20 different full victory roll hairstyles that each feel distinct but stay true to that timeless vintage mood.
1. Classic Double Victory Rolls With Loose Curls
Picture soft, bouncy curls flowing down your back while two perfectly matched rolls sit above each temple. This is the classic victory rolls look many people imagine first, and it works beautifully on medium to long hair with some layering and curl. Start by curling your entire head with a one‑inch curling iron, then brush the curls out slightly so they blend into a soft wave. Take two front sections from above each ear, backcomb them for volume, and roll them inward toward your scalp, securing the roll from the inside with bobby pins. Keep the rolls symmetrical and slightly above eye level to open up your face and add lift. Finish by smoothing the curls at the back, defining any waves with your fingers, and setting everything with a strong‑hold hairspray so the shape lasts.
2. Half Up Victory Rolls On Long Hair
If you love to wear your hair down but want a vintage twist, half up victory rolls are a great option. Begin with long hair styled in loose waves or brushed‑out curls, which give the style body and movement. Create a clean side or center part, then section off the front top pieces from temple to temple. Use a comb to backcomb the roots for structure, then roll each side section up and back, forming two rolls that sit on top of the head while the back section flows freely. Pin each roll securely from the inside so they look smooth and polished from the outside. The contrast between the neat rolls and the soft length adds a romantic, pin‑up feel that works well for events, photos, or even a retro‑inspired everyday look. A shine spray or serum on the loose lengths makes the waves look sleek and healthy.
3. High Victory Rolls With Gibson Tuck
For a more formal, all‑up vintage look, combine high victory rolls with a Gibson tuck at the nape of your neck. Start by curling the hair so it has texture, then section off the top front for two large rolls. Backcomb each front section thoroughly and roll them upward and inward, placing the rolls high on the head to add vertical height and drama. Once the rolls are secure, gather the remaining hair at the back into a low ponytail, but instead of pulling it through fully, roll or tuck it up into itself, pinning it along the nape to create a smooth Gibson tuck. This combination gives you structured volume at the crown and a tidy, elegant finish at the back. It’s a perfect choice for weddings, formal gatherings, or any occasion where you want a polished 1940s‑inspired updo that still feels wearable.
4. Side Part Victory Rolls With Deep Wave
A strong side part paired with deep, sculpted waves and victory rolls creates a glamorous old Hollywood effect. Start by creating a pronounced side part and curling the hair in one direction with a curling iron, which makes it easier to brush into an S‑shaped wave pattern. After the curls cool, brush them out gently, guiding the hair into ridges and dips, then clip along the bends with duckbill clips until the shape sets. On the heavier side of the part, form one large victory roll that sits slightly above the brow, while on the lighter side you can create a smaller roll or simply sweep the hair back smoothly. The combination of one dominant roll and glossy, defined waves looks dramatic yet balanced. This style flatters most face shapes, and you can adjust the size of the main roll to suit your features and comfort level.
5. Asymmetrical Single Victory Roll With Smooth Back
Sometimes one well‑placed roll is enough to make a big statement. An asymmetrical single victory roll focuses attention on one side of your face, giving a bold and slightly edgy twist on the classic. Create a deep side part and take a large triangular section from the front on the heavier side. Backcomb this section heavily at the roots, then roll it upward and inward, placing the roll so it sits just above the eyebrow and tilts slightly toward the center of your head. Keep the rest of the hair smooth and either straightened or gently waved, then brush it back or tuck it behind your ears. This clean, minimal finish allows the single roll to stand out. It’s a great option if you’re new to vintage styling, because you’re mastering one roll without worrying about perfect symmetry on both sides.
6. Victory Rolls With Bandana Or Headscarf
If you want a cute, practical look that keeps hair off your face while showcasing the rolls, pair victory rolls with a bandana or headscarf. Start by curling and brushing your hair, then section out the front pieces for your rolls, either two smaller rolls or one bigger one at the front. Once the rolls are pinned and smoothed, gather the rest of your hair into a low bun, ponytail, or tuck, depending on your length and texture. Fold a bandana or scarf into a long strip and wrap it around your head from the nape, tying the knot or bow at the top or off to one side behind the rolls. The fabric frames the rolls and adds color and personality, plus it helps hide any pins at the back. This look feels fun and retro, and it’s especially handy on slightly messy hair days when you still want a put‑together finish.
7. Vintage Victory Rolls With Bangs
If you already have bangs, you can absolutely wear victory rolls without growing them out. This look keeps your bangs down in front while placing the rolls just behind them, creating a layered, dimensional effect around your face. Start by styling your bangs as you normally would—curled under, side‑swept, or slightly rounded. Then, take sections from behind the bangs on each side, backcomb them, and roll them upward so the rolls sit above and behind the fringe. This keeps your bangs visible while still showing off the classic roll shape. Keep the rest of your hair either down in waves or up in a simple twist or tuck. The combination of bangs and rolls gives a strong 1940s feel and works particularly well if you want to soften a long forehead or balance sharper facial features.
8. Curly Hair Victory Rolls
Natural curls and victory rolls are a beautiful match, because the curls add volume and texture without much effort. Instead of fighting your curls straight, work with them by defining your pattern with a curling cream, gel, or a curling wand on select pieces. Focus on creating your rolls from larger, smooth sections at the front. Gently stretch and brush only the front sections you plan to roll, leaving the rest of your curls more natural. Backcomb the smoothed sections slightly, then roll them up and pin into place, allowing some curly ends to peek out if you like a softer look. The rest of the curls can be worn down, pinned into a loose faux bob, or gathered into a puff at the back. This approach keeps your texture visible and authentic while still capturing the structure of classic victory rolls.
9. Braided Victory Rolls Updo
Braided victory rolls offer a creative twist that looks intricate but can be broken down into clear steps. Start by parting your hair and creating two front sections for the rolls, then braid each section loosely before rolling it. You can use three‑strand braids or rope braids, depending on what you find easier to handle. Once braided, gently pull the braid apart to widen it, then wrap it around your fingers to form a roll, pinning it securely at the base and hiding the ends inside. At the back, gather the remaining hair into a braided bun or a low chignon to keep the overall look cohesive. The combination of braid texture and vintage rolls adds a lot of visual interest, making this style perfect for special events, photo shoots, or anytime you want something more detailed than a standard updo.
10. Victory Rolls Faux Bob On Medium Hair
If your hair is medium length and you want the illusion of a 1940s shoulder‑skimming bob, try a faux bob with victory rolls. Start by curling your hair and brushing it into smooth waves, then create two front rolls or a single large roll, depending on your preference. Once the rolls are set, gather the rest of your hair at the nape and fold the ends under, pinning them against your neck to shorten the visible length. You can tuck the hair into itself like a horizontal roll or secure it in sections for more control. When done carefully, the back looks like a true bob cut with softly tucked ends. This is a great way to test how shorter hair suits you without committing to a chop, and the victory rolls at the front reinforce the vintage, pin‑up vibe of the whole style.
11. Low Victory Rolls With Center Part
A center part with low, subtle victory rolls gives a softer, more wearable version of the classic 1940s look. Instead of placing the rolls high on top of your head, you keep them closer to the temples and slightly lower around eye level. Begin with straight or loosely waved hair and create a sharp center part. Take two front sections from either side, backcomb lightly, and roll the hair inward, but aim the rolls outward slightly so they sit like smooth, rounded shapes framing your face. Secure them with pins hidden inside and comb the remaining hair straight back or down your back. This version feels less dramatic and can work well for more casual settings or for people who prefer understated volume. It’s also flattering if you like the symmetry of a middle part and want to add interest without too much height.
12. Victory Rolls Ponytail Hairstyle
A ponytail paired with victory rolls blends sporty practicality with vintage flair. Start with clean, dry hair and decide whether you want a high, mid, or low ponytail. Curl the lengths if you want a more pin‑up feel, then section out the front pieces for one or two rolls before gathering the rest into a ponytail. After securing the ponytail with an elastic, form your rolls at the front by backcombing and rolling the sections upward and back, pinning them so they sit just behind the hairline. You can wrap a small piece of hair around the base of the ponytail to conceal the elastic for a more polished effect. This look is great for hot weather, dancing, or any time you need your hair off your neck but still want it to look thoughtfully styled and cohesive with the vintage theme.
13. Short Hair Victory Rolls
You don’t need long hair to enjoy victory rolls; shorter cuts can carry them just as well with a few adjustments. If your hair is around chin length or slightly shorter, focus on smaller, tighter rolls at the front or crown. Use a strong setting spray or mousse before styling to give your hair grip. Take narrow front sections, backcomb them firmly, and roll them tightly around two fingers instead of three or four, creating compact rolls. Pin them securely and smooth the top with a fine‑tooth comb. The rest of the hair can be curled slightly or sculpted into subtle waves to maintain the vintage mood. Because short hair shows every detail, spending a little extra time on clean parting lines and smooth surfaces will make the overall style look more intentional and polished.
14. Victory Rolls With Vintage Waves Down
This look leans heavily into old Hollywood glamour by combining defined victory rolls with full, brushed‑out waves all over. Start with a full set of curls created with a uniform curling technique, curling all sections in the same direction on each side. Once the curls cool, brush them thoroughly until they merge into glossy waves, then use your fingers and clips to refine the shape. At the front, carve out two sections for rolls and backcomb them for structure. Roll them up and back, letting them sit slightly higher than the wave pattern behind them. The result is a cohesive style where the rolls naturally transition into the waves, rather than feeling like separate elements. This look photographes beautifully and is ideal for special occasions where you want your hair to be the focal point of your whole appearance.
15. High Crown Victory Roll With Sleek Sides
If you like strong, graphic shapes, a single high crown victory roll with sleek, tight sides creates a striking silhouette. To build this look, smooth the sides of your hair back with a gel or pomade, combing them close to the head and securing them with hidden bobby pins if needed. Leave a wide section of hair at the top for the roll. Backcomb this top section heavily to add height, then roll it backward toward the crown, forming a structured, stand‑out roll that almost mimics a pompadour. Secure it with pins along the base and spray generously so it holds its shape. The contrast between the sleek sides and the voluminous roll adds drama and sharpness. You can leave the back down, tuck it into a simple roll, or secure it in a small bun depending on your hair length and how bold you want the finished style.
16. Victory Rolls With Pin Curl Set
For the most authentic 1940s feel, build your victory rolls on a full pin curl set instead of just hot tools. The night before or several hours ahead, set your hair in pin curls, either wet or with a styling lotion, and allow it to fully dry and set. Once you remove the clips, you’ll have tight, defined curls that brush out into smooth, moldable waves. Carefully brush the set to create a cohesive wave pattern, then separate the front sections you want to turn into rolls. Because pin‑curled hair has built‑in structure, it’s easier to backcomb and roll without losing smoothness on the surface. Create your rolls, then refine the waves behind them with clips until they cool into place. This method takes more time, but the result is a deeply vintage, long‑lasting style that looks era‑correct and holds better through an entire day or evening.
17. Victory Rolls With Undercut Or Shaved Side
For a modern twist on a classic, pairing victory rolls with an undercut or shaved side creates a bold fusion of retro and edgy. If one side of your head is shaved or very short, use the remaining longer section to form a large, dramatic roll or a series of smaller rolls across the top. Start by smoothing and backcombing the longer hair, then roll it toward the shaved side so the contrast is visible from every angle. Secure the roll firmly with pins and strong hairspray, since the style relies heavily on that single structure. The exposed undercut adds a tough, contemporary feel, while the roll keeps the look anchored in vintage pin‑up territory. This style works best when you embrace the contrast rather than trying to hide the shorter area, and it can be a fun way to use grown‑out undercuts in a new, creative way.
18. Victory Rolls For Round Face Shape
When you have a round face, you can use victory rolls to add height and subtle lengthening. The goal is to create vertical lift at the top of your head rather than extra width at the sides. Start by parting your hair slightly off‑center and sectioning out pieces for two rolls that sit more toward the crown than directly at the temples. Backcomb those sections and roll them upward so they stand a bit taller, then angle them slightly back instead of outward. This draws the eye up and creates the illusion of more length in your face shape. Keep the sides smoother and avoid overly wide, low rolls that add horizontal volume. Wear the rest of your hair in waves that skim the shoulders or tuck into a low roll at the nape to keep the focus on the height you’ve built up top.
19. Victory Rolls Bridal Updo
A bridal updo with victory rolls pairs nostalgic charm with elegance and can work with veils or hair accessories. Begin with clean, prepped hair and decide where your veil or clips will sit so you can place the rolls around them. Create two soft, slightly looser rolls at the front or one large roll and one smaller one, keeping the overall shape soft and romantic rather than very rigid. At the back, gather the hair into a low chignon, braided bun, or a cluster of pinned curls. You can weave in decorative pins, pearls, or small combs around the rolls and bun for extra detail. Aim for a balance between structure and softness, so the style looks beautiful from every angle and complements your dress neckline. A light mist of shine spray at the end will help the hair catch the light in photos without making it look stiff.
20. Easy Everyday Victory Rolls Hairstyle
Victory rolls don’t have to be reserved for big events; you can simplify them for daily wear. The everyday version focuses on smaller, softer rolls that add flair without taking too long to create. Instead of curling your entire head, you can just curl the front sections you plan to roll, leaving the rest straight, wavy, or in a simple ponytail or half‑up style. Backcomb those front pieces lightly and roll them loosely so they look more relaxed and less sculpted. Keep the size modest and the placement practical, like just above the temples or slightly back from the hairline. Use a flexible‑hold hairspray rather than the stiffest one you own, so the hair still moves a bit. This approach lets you practice the rolling technique regularly and enjoy a bit of vintage charm even on regular days when you’re getting ready quickly.
Conclusion:
Victory rolls may have started as a practical, patriotic hairstyle in the 1940s, but today they’re one of the most versatile ways to bring vintage flair into your look. Whether you prefer classic double rolls with waves, clever hybrids like ponytails and faux bobs, or bold modern pairings with undercuts and braids, there’s a version that fits your hair length, texture, and personal style. The core skills—clean sectioning, firm backcombing, smooth rolling, and strong pinning—stay the same across all twenty looks, so as you practice, each new variation feels easier. You can also customize the vibe with accessories like scarves, headbands, and decorative pins or adapt roll size and placement to flatter your face shape. By experimenting with these different victory roll hairstyles, you’ll build a small styling toolkit you can pull from for parties, weddings, photo shoots, or just when you want your everyday hair to feel a little more special.
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