The Effortless Gibson Tuck
Named after the iconic 'Gibson Girl' of the early 20th century, the Gibson Tuck is the epitome of sophisticated, understated elegance. It's a soft, rolled-up style that sits neatly at the nape of the neck, making it perfect for both formal events and
a polished everyday look. The best part is its simplicity. To start, gather your hair into a low ponytail, but don't pull it all the way through the elastic on the final loop. This creates a pocket of hair. Then, simply flip the tail of the ponytail up and tuck it into this pocket, rolling it towards your head. Secure the roll snugly against your scalp with bobby pins, and you’re done. For a romantic variation, you can braid the ponytail before tucking it in.
The Iconic Victory Roll
Perhaps the most recognizable vintage hairstyle, Victory Rolls became popular during the 1940s. Named to celebrate the Allied victory in World War II, this style features voluminous rolls of hair pinned on top of the head or framing the face. While they look dramatic, creating a simple version is straightforward. Start by sectioning off the hair at the front of your head where you want the roll. For extra volume, you can gently backcomb the section. Then, hold the section of hair straight up, wrap the ends around two fingers, and begin rolling it inward toward your scalp. Once you have a neat roll, carefully slip your fingers out and secure it with bobby pins placed inside the roll to hide them. For the best results, try this style on hair that hasn't been washed for a day, as the added texture helps it hold.
The Classic Chignon Roll
The chignon is a timeless updo that exudes grace and has been a staple for centuries. While there are many variations, a simple rolled chignon is incredibly easy to achieve. A chignon is essentially a low bun worn at the nape of the neck. To create a rolled version, start by gathering your hair into a low ponytail. Create a small opening in the hair just above the elastic and flip your ponytail up and through this gap. Now, take the remaining length of the ponytail, roll it upwards tightly, and tuck it into the pocket created by the flip. Use bobby pins to secure the rolled bun in place, ensuring it feels snug and tidy. For a sleeker finish, you can wrap a small strand of hair around the base to hide the elastic.
The French Roll Twist
The French Roll, or French Twist, is another classic that speaks to Parisian chic. It’s a vertical roll at the back of the head that is elegant enough for a formal event but simple enough for the office. To create it, start by gathering all of your hair to one side at the back of your head. Begin twisting the hair tightly from the nape of your neck upwards, keeping the twist close to your head. As you twist upwards, tuck the ends of the hair into the roll you are creating. Once all the hair is tucked in, secure the roll firmly with bobby pins or larger hairpins. A trick for a secure hold is to insert a pin from the side, catch a bit of hair from the roll, and then flip the pin 180 degrees before pushing it in. This creates tension that holds the style all day.
Tips for Perfecting Your Rolls
Regardless of the style you choose, a few tips can help you achieve a polished look. Most rolled updos work best on second-day hair, as the natural oils provide more grip and texture than freshly washed, slippery hair. If your hair is very clean, a spritz of dry shampoo or texturizing spray can add the necessary hold. When creating rolls like Victory Rolls, gently backcombing the section before you roll can add significant volume and help the style hold its shape. For styles like the chignon or Gibson Tuck, starting with a loose curl or wave can make the hair more pliable and easier to work with. Finally, don’t be afraid to use plenty of bobby pins—the key to a lasting updo is securing it well.
