Victory rolls are an iconic hairstyle that evokes the glam of the 1940s. Even though this look is often associated with longer hair, you can absolutely achieve stunning victory rolls with short hair. Whether you’re going for a vintage-inspired look or want to add a touch of retro flair to a modern outfit, victory rolls can work on a variety of short hairstyles.
In this detailed guide, we will break down how to do victory rolls on short hair, step by step. From preparation to styling, you’ll be able to recreate this glamorous look with ease.
What You Will Need
Before you get started, make sure you have the right tools and products to create victory rolls on short hair. Here’s a list of essentials:
- Hairbrush or comb: A teasing brush or comb is ideal for creating volume.
- Bobby pins: These will hold the rolls in place, especially for short hair.
- Hair spray or setting spray: To ensure your rolls stay intact all day.
- Curling iron: For added definition and curl in your hair.
- Sectioning clips: To divide your hair for easy styling.
- Rat-tail comb: This helps create clean parts and sections.
Now that you have your tools ready, let’s begin with the steps.
Step 1: Start with Clean, Dry Hair
For the best results, start with freshly washed and fully dried hair. This will make it easier to manipulate and style your hair into rolls. If you have fine hair, consider using a volumizing mousse before blow-drying to give your hair some extra lift and texture.
Pro Tip: Day-Old Hair for Better Hold
While clean hair is recommended, slightly dirty or second-day hair can sometimes hold curls and styles better. If your hair tends to be slippery, you can use a dry shampoo to add some grip and texture.
Step 2: Part Your Hair
Use a rat-tail comb to part your hair. The most classic victory roll style involves parting the hair on one side, creating two sections of hair on either side of the part. This will give you the foundation to work with when rolling the hair.
Option: Middle Part for Symmetry
Alternatively, you can create a middle part for symmetrical rolls on each side of your head. This is a personal preference depending on how you want your victory rolls to frame your face.
Step 3: Section the Hair for Rolling
Next, separate the top section of your hair. This will be the portion that you roll. Depending on how thick your hair is, you may need to divide this section into smaller parts. For short hair, it’s better to work with small sections to make the rolling process easier.
Tip for Short Hair
For short hair, it’s important to focus on the top layers where you have the most length. This allows you to create defined rolls without running out of hair to work with.
Step 4: Curl the Sections
Use a curling iron to curl each section of hair you plan to roll. For victory rolls, it’s important to curl the hair in the direction that you want the roll to form. Make sure the curl is tight enough to hold the shape of the roll.
Curling Tip: Small Barrel for Short Hair
Opt for a curling iron with a small barrel (around 1 inch or less) to create tight curls, as short hair requires tighter curls to hold the victory roll shape.
Step 5: Tease the Hair for Volume
Once you’ve curled the sections, it’s time to tease the hair. Use a teasing brush or comb to backcomb the roots of each section. This will add volume and make the rolls look fuller, which is especially important for short hair.
Teasing Tip
Tease gently so that you don’t damage your hair, but make sure there’s enough texture to give your roll some lift and structure.
Step 6: Create the Roll
Take one of the teased sections and begin rolling it inward, toward your scalp, using your fingers as a guide. For short hair, use a smaller diameter when rolling to ensure the hair stays tight and compact. Once you’ve rolled the section to your desired shape, secure it with bobby pins. Make sure to pin it discreetly so that the bobby pins are hidden within the roll.
Alternative Rolling Technique
If you’re having trouble rolling with your fingers, try using the handle of a rat-tail comb to help guide the hair into a roll. Simply wrap the hair around the comb and slide it out once the roll is formed.
Step 7: Repeat on the Other Side
Now that you’ve successfully created your first roll, it’s time to repeat the process on the other side of your head. Remember to keep the rolls symmetrical and ensure that both are facing the same direction for a balanced look.
Asymmetrical Rolls
If you prefer a more modern twist, you can create one large roll on one side and a smaller roll on the other. This gives the hairstyle a unique and edgy feel while still maintaining the retro vibe.
Step 8: Secure the Rolls
Once you’ve positioned both rolls, use extra bobby pins to secure them. Short hair may require more pins than longer hair to keep the rolls in place. Gently tug at the rolls to make sure they are firmly secured and adjust the shape if necessary.
Step 9: Set with Hair Spray
The final step is to set the victory rolls with hair spray. Choose a strong-hold hair spray to keep everything in place throughout the day. Lightly mist over the rolls, being careful not to use too much product, as this can weigh down the hair.
Tip for Longevity
If you plan on wearing this style for several hours or an event, carry a small travel-size hair spray with you for touch-ups.
See Also: How To Flat Twist Short Natural Hair For Beginners
Victory Roll Variations for Short Hair
There are several ways to customize your victory rolls depending on your personal style and the occasion. Here are some variations you can try with short hair:
Mini Victory Rolls
For a more subtle look, create smaller victory rolls on the sides of your head. This style works great if you have very short hair and want to keep things low-key but still vintage-inspired.
Half-Up Victory Rolls
If you want to show off more of your natural hair, consider doing victory rolls just on the top section while leaving the rest of your short hair down. This gives a mix of classic and casual.
Victory Rolls with Accessories
Adding hair accessories, like a bandana or floral pins, can elevate the look. Accessories also help add flair to your victory rolls and can disguise any bobby pins that are visible.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Victory rolls on short hair can be a bit tricky at first, but with practice, you’ll become a pro. Here are a few common problems and solutions:
Problem: Hair Won’t Stay in the Roll
If your hair keeps slipping out of the roll, try using more texture products like dry shampoo or hair powder to add grip. You can also try smaller sections or tighter curls.
Problem: Roll Looks Flat
If your victory rolls are lacking volume, make sure you are teasing the hair properly before rolling. You can also try adding a little more curl with the curling iron for extra bounce.
Problem: Uneven Rolls
Make sure to part your hair evenly at the beginning and use a mirror to check that your rolls are symmetrical. Take your time when rolling each side.
Conclusion
Victory rolls are a timeless and versatile hairstyle, and with the right tools and techniques, you can master this look even with short hair. Whether you’re going for full glam or just a touch of retro, these steps will help you achieve the perfect victory rolls. With a little practice and creativity, victory rolls will become a go-to hairstyle for any occasion.
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