Never, in my lifetime did I think I'd get so giddy about seeing a hairstyle from the 1940s crop up at Fashion Week, but there I was late last night, scrolling to see the celebrity arrivals at the tent erected in Kensington Palace Gardens for the Burberry Spring Summer 2026 show. First I saw Raye, with her now signature style vintage bob, curled at the front in a loosely victory roll style coif. Then I saw Olivia Dean. Her beautiful textured curls styled similarly to Raye's but with big bouncy lengths, again reminiscent of the styles seen popularly in the 1940s which just oozed glamour. Then, well then we saw the ever-gorgeous Jodie Turner Smith strut in with the most perfectly coiffed victory roll seen in 2025. So, you've heard it here first people, the victory roll is back. But, before we get into the pics and all the style inspo you need, quick recap on what a victory roll actually is and how to style the look!
What are victory rolls?
"Popularised during the Second World War, victory rolls have become synonymous with 1940s glamour – and with the modern pin-up girl look that has its roots in the era," says The Hair Historian, Rachael Gibson. "Victory rolls became popular during World War II because they served a practical purpose as well as looking elegant. The war in Europe saw women engaged in manual labour in unprecedented numbers as they took up roles in factories, engine rooms and other traditionally male-dominated industries. The victory roll provided a glamorous way for them to keep their long hair while also being practical and safe, even when paired with a headscarf, snood or hat."
How to style victory rolls
So, for this look, patience, hairspray, pins and rollers are required. The size of the roller will depend on your hair length and the size you want the roll to be. Hairspray should be lacquered on for a shiny, smooth and set finish.
Victory roll hairstyles
Keeks Reid is the Beauty Director at Cosmopolitan UK. While she loves all things beauty, Keeks is a hair fanatic through and through. She started her career in beauty journalism in 2013 as editorial assistant at Blackhair and Hair magazines working her way to Acting Editor of Blackhair magazine at 23 years old. She spent much of her career working in trade hairdressing media at Hairdressers Journal, Salon International and the British Hairdressing Awards. Which is why she is a regular contributor to Cosmo's Curl Up franchise. Now, alongside her Cosmo work, she presents, creates content on social media and works with a range of beauty companies; from magazines and websites to beauty brands and salons.
