Form and pin victory rolls

Arrange the front and sides into upright rolled shapes while leaving the remaining hair loose. This method uses already manageable dry hair and comfortable pin support.

Hands-on time (estimate): 8–18 min
Waiting time: None; this is a worn style, not a wet curl set.

When to use it

Victory rolls turn dry front and side sections inward into upright rolls that are pinned at their bases and worn as a style.

When front and side sections are long and manageable enough to turn into a comfortable upright roll.

Dry loose hair whose front and side lengths can form a roll without heat or forced stretching. Natural texture changes the roll’s finish.

Before you start

Keep the roll loose enough to avoid pulling the hairline. Pins should enter the hair at the base, never press or scrape the scalp.
If the section will not roll or hold without force, release it. This guide does not add backcombing, a hot tool or a promised curl result afterward.

What you’ll need

Clean hands
Smooth bobby pins with intact tips
Sectioning clips

Sectioning clips guide

Make it work for you

Check the situations below before you begin, then follow the steps with those adjustments in mind.

The section will not roll comfortably

Release and simplify

Remove its pins while supporting the roll, then unwind it. Try a smaller reachable section later; do not add root tension or force a shape the hair will not hold.

Step by step

STEP 1 OF 3
Roll and pin the front section
- Start with dry detangled hair. Separate a manageable front section above the forehead; clip neighboring hair aside. Use a fringe only if it is long enough to roll.
- Guide the ends around your fingers and turn the section inward, slightly to the side or back. Keep the roots relaxed rather than winding it tight.
- Hold the formed roll at its base and slide bobby pins into hair inside that base. Withdraw your forming fingers gently and check for pressure.
STEP 2 OF 3
Add an inward roll on each side
- Separate a section just above one ear beside the first roll. Turn its ends around your fingers and roll inward toward the center of your head.
- Hold the base with one hand while pinning it with the other. Keep the roll upright, with pin points in hair and away from skin.
- Repeat above the other ear. Release the sectioning clips and leave the remaining hair loose. Move your head gently and reset any pin that presses.
STEP 3 OF 3
Support, unpin and unwind
- Hold one roll so its weight does not pull. Locate and remove all pins at its base, then unwind the section slowly in the reverse direction.
- Repeat with the other side and front rolls. If a pin catches, stop and free the caught hair with your fingers before sliding it out.
- Check all three bases for a missed pin or clip. Let your loose hair settle and collect the fasteners.

Styling and later release; preceding detangling is separate.

Unmeasured editorial handling estimate for the stated scope. Familiarity, access and the item or hair being handled change the time.

You’re done when…

The front and two side rolls remain supported without scalp pressure, with the rest of the hair loose and every base pin accessible.

Step by step

Roll and pin the front section

Add an inward roll on each side

Support, unpin and unwind

You’re done when…