The early days of hairdressing are marked with eloquent looks that have remained evergreen for decades to come – one of those being the victory rolls. A graceful hairstyle characterized by voluminous curls that gained popularity during World War II, symbolic of the women left behind helping their loved ones fight for victory in spirit. It’s even theorized that the style was meant to be a physical representation of aircraft spinning horizontally as a sign of celebration. Hency why at Your Hairdresser in Putney, London, the classic look was commemorated with an edgy, creative touch.
Prior to strategically curling and pinning the hair, it was prepped and coloured with light ash blonde babylights and L-shaped panels of black colour to create a striking difference (babylights are a modern highlighting technique where lots and lots of fine “micro” highlights are placed in back-to-back foils – the result is an ultra-blonde, blended finish).
The bold contrast between the vintage nature of the style and contemporary, chic hair colour serves as a poignant representation of a time period long gone, and the need to recognise and preserve it through creative means of hairdressing.
Backlighting was also used to create a disco light effect, exposing the imperfect, yet symbolic nature of the style when women would roll their hair up at home in hopes of victory and embracing their loved ones yet again.
Stanimir Hristov, the owner of the salon, says: “It’s important that we as hairdressers don’t lose touch with when it all began. Distinguished styles such as the victory looks all carry a piece of history that is passed down generations and serve as a reminder of how they came about to be. I believe it is our duty to maintain their longevity by experimenting artistically and adapting them to the modern ways of life, whilst staying true to their origins.”
Credits:
Hair & photography: Stanimir Hristov (Your Hairdresser)
Model & make-up: @gracie.e.commercial
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