How to Style a Classic 1960s Beehive Hairstyle: Step-by-Step Guide
Master the iconic 1960s beehive hairstyle at home with easy tools, step-by-step instructions, expert tips, and inspiration for every occasion.
How to Style a Beehive Hairstyle: The Ultimate Step-by-Step Guide
The beehive hairstyle is an enduring symbol of 1960s glamour, capturing the fun and flair of a transformative era in beauty history. Whether you’re prepping for a themed party, looking to add vintage charm to your daily look, or seeking a statement hairdo for a special occasion, the beehive is both sophisticated and striking. With the right tools, some clever techniques, and just a little patience, you can create this voluminous silhouette at home, no matter your hair length or skill level.
Table of Contents
- Introduction to Beehive Hairstyles
- Essential Supplies
- Step-by-Step Styling Instructions
- Expert Tips and Tricks
- Customizing Your Beehive
- Styling Inspiration & Special Occasions
- Frequently Asked Questions
What Is a Beehive Hairstyle?
The beehive is a voluminous updo, often characterized by its high rounded crown resembling the shape of a traditional beehive. Popularized in the 1960s by style icons and musicians, this look quickly became a go-to for glamorous events, photo shoots, weddings, and everyday chic. The beehive’s longevity is owed to its unique combination of elegance, practical volume, and striking lines.
Essential Supplies You Will Need
Creating a beehive doesn’t require professional tools—most items can be found at your local pharmacy or beauty supply store.
- Teasing brush or comb – for creating volume and backcombing hair.
- Bath loofa (or mesh chignon form/hair rat/doughnut) – covered in fabric to match your hair color; used as a volumizing base.
- Bobby pins and hairpins – for secure fastening.
- Strong-hold hairspray – to set and maintain the style.
- Fine fabric or old tights (if covering your own form).
- Hand-held or standing mirror – for checking your work from all angles.
- Optional: Accessories such as headbands, hair flowers, or ribbons for a personalized touch.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Do a Beehive Hairstyle
Mastering the beehive is all about building volume and carefully shaping your hair to create that signature silhouette.
Step 1: Prepare the Beehive Base
- Take a bath loofa or a hair bun form and cover it with a piece of fabric that matches your hair color. This helps keep the base hidden under your hair and ensures a seamless finish.
- Hold the loofa at the crown of your head—this is where the bump will sit. Adjust position higher or lower depending on your desired final height.
Step 2: Tease for Volume
- Using your teasing brush, section off the top layer of your hair at the crown. Clip the top (outermost/smoothest) layers out of the way for now.
- Tease the underlayers of hair by backcombing toward the roots, working in small sections. This builds a foundation of volume.
- Once you’ve achieved your desired volume, lightly smooth just the surface using the brush, taking care not to flatten your teasing.
Step 3: Add and Conceal the Loofa Form
- Position the prepared loofa at the crown of your head, where the height of your bump will sit.
- Take teased sections of hair and begin covering the loofa by carefully draping one small section at a time over it and securing with bobby pins. Each section should be smoothed on top (not teased) to keep the finish sleek and polished.
- Continue pinning hair around the loofa from every direction until it’s completely concealed. Tuck and pin underneath and at both sides for security.
Step 4: Perfect the Shape and Secure the Sides
- Take hair from each side of your head and pull back, wrapping and pinning over the loofa. This gives the beehive its classic rounded sides and hides any visible lines or bumps.
- Use your comb or brush; smooth and gently shape hair, adjusting volume as desired.
Step 5: Style the Back
- For a classic updo, gather the loose hair at the nape of your neck, twist upward, and pin into place with bobby pins.
- To leave hair down, gently brush the remaining hair and style into soft waves for contrast and a more relaxed finish.
- Alternatively, braid the lower section or create a ponytail for a modern twist.
Step 6: Secure and Finish
- Go over the entire style with a generous application of strong-hold hairspray to set your beehive in place.
- Use the tail end of your comb to discreetly lift and even out volume or adjust the shape.
- Check all angles with your mirror, tucking in any loose ends or flyaways with bobby pins.
Expert Tips and Tricks for a Perfect Beehive
While the basic technique is simple, mastering a classic beehive takes a bit of practice and some helpful fixes:
- Short Hair Solution: For chin-length or shorter hair, skip the loofa form and use only the fabric, tying it into a firm knot or ball to act as your internal bump. Secure with pins.
- Teasing Amount: Each hair type holds volume differently. Fine hair may need extra teasing and spray, while thick hair benefits from a lighter touch.
- Start with Dry, Clean Hair: Hair that is too clean can be slippery; work with hair that has natural texture or add a little dry shampoo for grip.
- Layer Your Hairspray: Light layers of spray between steps result in a hold that lasts all day.
- Customize for Face Shape: Pull out a few pieces at the front for softness or add height if you want to elongate your silhouette.
Customizing Your Beehive: Accessorize and Personalize
One of the beehive’s advantages is its versatility. Here are some simple ways to make your look unique:
- Add a Headband or Scarf: A lace headband, satin ribbon, or vintage scarf wrapped around your beehive delivers instant retro flair.
- Floral Accessories: Pin a daisy chain, silk flower, or decorative comb to the side for a summery, romantic finish.
- Maiden Braids: Style two small braids across the front of your beehive for a bohemian touch.
- Hair Jewels: Use subtle rhinestone pins or vintage brooches to add sparkle for special occasions.
- Messy or Sleek Beehive: Leave a few tendrils loose for a relaxed, modern look or keep everything tight and polished for classic charm.
Styling Inspiration & Special Occasions
The beehive is more than just a day-to-day updo—it’s a statement piece for life’s most memorable moments. Take inspiration from real events and notable style icons:
- Weddings: The beehive is an elegant choice for brides and bridesmaids alike, pairing beautifully with a 1960s dress or a minimal modern gown.
- Parties and Nights Out: Stand out from the crowd at any soirée by adding extra height or retro accessories to your beehive.
- Photoshoots and Portraits: The dramatic silhouette photographs exceptionally well and flatters a variety of face shapes and outfits.
- Everyday Retro Glam: Subtle, smaller beehives are suitable for day-to-day chic styling, especially when accessorized with bands or clips.
Personal Note: Many brides choose the beehive look for their portraits and wedding day, while bridesmaids can wear matching or slightly varied versions for a coordinated yet individual appearance.
Beehive Hairstyle Variations: At a Glance
| Variation | Best For | Look | Tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| Classic Beehive | Events, Photos, Weddings | Tall, rounded volume; sleek finish | Use loofa or form for stability |
| Messy/Modern Beehive | Everyday, Parties | Lower height, tousled texture | Light teasing, less hairspray |
| Beehive with Accessories | Themed Events, Casual Glam | Embellished with ribbons, flowers | Match accessories to outfit |
| Braided Beehive | Bohemian, Festival Looks | Front or side braids, relaxed shape | Combine with loose strands |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I wear a beehive with short hair?
A: Absolutely. For shorter hair, use just a tightly knotted fabric base or a smaller mesh form, and focus on pinning shorter lengths securely with hairspray for extra hold.
Q: How do I keep my beehive from falling flat?
A: Start with well-teased hair, use a substantial form hidden inside, and layer on hairspray as you go. Pin sections tightly and check from all angles to add reinforcement where needed.
Q: Will this style damage my hair?
A: Minimal, occasional teasing and hairspray use are safe, but daily backcombing may cause breakage. Use a gentle brush and avoid tugging when removing pins. Always detangle gently after styling.
Q: How much time does it take to do a beehive?
A: With practice, creating a basic beehive can take 10–20 minutes. More refined or accessorized shapes may take longer, depending on hair thickness and desired detail.
Q: What if I don’t have a loofa or special form?
A: Use a bundled pair of old stockings, a small foam roll, or simply tease hair for gentle volume. The key is building and concealing a soft, lightweight inner bump.
Final Thoughts: Practice Makes Perfect
The beehive is a classic hairdo that combines drama with elegance. Don’t be discouraged if your first attempt isn’t flawless—each try brings you closer to your perfect personalized version. Experiment with different accessories, textures, and heights to find a beehive that’s uniquely yours, and have fun embracing this stylish, vintage-inspired silhouette.
