The Victory Roll: A Symbol of 1940s Resilience
Born from the spirit of the 1940s, Victory Rolls are more than just a hairstyle; they're a piece of history. Their name is believed to be a nod to the celebratory aerial manoeuvres performed by fighter pilots during World War II. For women on the home
front who stepped into new roles in factories and offices, this elegant updo was a way to maintain a sense of glamour and patriotism. It was practical enough to keep hair away from machinery, yet stylish enough to boost morale. You will need a comb, a strong-hold hairspray, and several bobby pins to achieve this look. A teasing brush can also help create volume. For the steps, first, create a side part. Take a two-to-three-inch section of hair from the front, on the side with more hair. Comb this section upwards, then begin rolling the ends of the hair around your fingers, moving down towards your scalp to form a clean, tight roll. Once you have a shape you like, carefully slide your fingers out and secure the roll with bobby pins. Mist generously with hairspray. Repeat on the other side for a classic symmetrical look, or leave one side down for an equally authentic variation.
The Gibson Tuck: Effortless Edwardian Elegance
Travel further back in time to the late 19th and early 20th centuries with the Gibson Tuck. This style is named after the 'Gibson Girl,' an illustration by artist Charles Dana Gibson that represented the modern, independent woman of the era. The look is soft, romantic, and surprisingly simple to create, making it a perfect choice for a sophisticated updo without much fuss. To start, gather your hair into a low ponytail at the nape of your neck and secure it with an elastic. Loosen the elastic slightly, pulling it about an inch or two down from your scalp. Using your fingers, create a small 'pocket' or opening in the hair just above the elastic. Next, take the end of your ponytail, roll or fold it upwards, and tuck it completely into the pocket you created. The entire ponytail should be neatly concealed inside the roll. Secure the tucked hair firmly against your head using bobby pins, making sure to hide the elastic. You can pull out a few face-framing tendrils for a softer finish or adorn it with decorative pins.
The Beehive: The Ultimate 1960s Statement
No discussion of vintage updos is complete without the Beehive. Invented in 1960 by Chicago stylist Margaret Vinci Heldt, this gravity-defying style was designed to reflect the coming decade. It quickly became an icon of 1960s glamour, seen on everyone from girl groups like The Ronettes to Audrey Hepburn. The key to a great beehive is volume, which is created through a technique called backcombing or teasing. You will need a teasing comb, hairspray, and plenty of bobby pins. Some tutorials even suggest using a small, clean bath loofah or a hair donut as a base to create extreme height. To begin, section off the top part of your hair, from your crown to just behind your ears. Clip the front sections away for now. Taking small sub-sections from the crown area, hold the hair straight up and use a teasing comb to push the hair down towards the scalp. This creates a tangled cushion of volume. Once you've teased the entire crown section, gently smooth the top layer of hair over the teased 'cushion' to create a smooth, conical shape. Gather this voluminous section, twist it slightly, and pin it securely at the back of your head. Release the front sections and smooth them back over the sides to blend with the rest of your hair. A final, generous mist of strong-hold hairspray is essential to keep your beehive in place.
