When it comes to iconic hairstyles, the beehive takes the crown—literally! Originating in the 1960s, this voluminous and glamorous look has made a stylish comeback on red carpets, fashion runways, and social media feeds. From Adele’s gravity-defying updos to Ariana Grande’s sleek and modern beehive ponytails, celebrities are bringing this classic hairstyle back with fresh twists. If you’re ready to add some drama to your hair game, here’s how to nail the beehive hairstyle for any hair length, texture, or color.
What Exactly Is a Beehive Hairstyle?
A beehive hairstyle is a classic, high-volume updo known for its rounded, towering shape that sits prominently on the crown of the head. The look is characterized by teasing or backcombing the hair to create a voluminous “hive” shape, then smoothing over the top layer for a polished, rounded finish. The result is a chic, elevated silhouette that resembles a traditional beehive—hence the name.
While it has its roots in vintage glam, the beehive has evolved over the years to fit modern trends. Today, it can be worn in various forms, from a subtle, tousled version to a sleek, structured style. The beauty of the beehive is its versatility; it can be customized to suit different hair lengths, textures, and colors. Whether you have short hair or long, straight or curly, you can adapt this voluminous style to create a unique look that’s all your own.
The History of the Beehive Hairstyle
The beehive hairstyle first gained prominence in the early 1960s, thanks to the creative genius of Chicago-based hairstylist Margaret Vinci Heldt. She invented the style as a response to the ongoing trend of bigger, more dramatic hair. Inspired by the need for an updo that could fit under the decade’s trendy pillbox hats, she created a look that was all about height, volume, and elegance. When she placed a small hat-shaped hatpin in the hairstyle, it immediately reminded her of a beehive, giving the look its now-famous name.
The beehive quickly became the defining hairstyle of the 1960s, gracing the heads of many style icons. It was embraced by celebrities and public figures, including Audrey Hepburn, Brigitte Bardot, and even First Lady Jackie Kennedy, who added her own elegant twist to the look. The beehive soon became synonymous with the glamorous, sophisticated vibe of the era, appearing on glossy magazine covers and in countless Hollywood films.
However, as fashion moved into the 1970s, hair trends began to favor more natural, flowing styles, causing the beehive to lose some of its mainstream popularity. But its bold look never truly went away. Throughout the decades, variations of the beehive have resurfaced, particularly among those who love vintage fashion or want to make a dramatic statement. In the 2000s and beyond, modern icons like Adele, Amy Winehouse, and Ariana Grande have paid homage to the classic beehive, bringing it back into the spotlight with updated twists that blend retro elegance with contemporary style.
Today, the beehive hairstyle is celebrated for its timeless glamour and versatility. It continues to inspire fashionistas who appreciate its bold silhouette and the vintage charm it brings to any look.
Beehive Hairstyles for Every Hair Length
Whether your hair is short, long, or somewhere in between, there’s a beehive style for you! Here’s how to make this retro-inspired look work, no matter your hair length.
1. Short Hair Beehive
If you have a pixie cut or a short bob, you might think the beehive is out of reach—but think again! For short hair, the mini beehive is your go-to. Start by teasing the crown section of your hair to add volume. Use a small round brush and some texturizing spray to give your roots a lift. Pull back the sides and pin them for a more polished finish. For an edgy twist, leave a few front strands loose, or add a cute hairband for that classic 1960s flair. This look is especially striking with platinum blonde, jet black, or bold hair colors like cherry red.
2. Shoulder-Length Hair Beehive
Got shoulder-length hair? Lucky you! This length is perfect for a medium-sized beehive. To get the look, blow-dry your hair with a volumizing mousse to create lift. Section the hair from your ears up, and start teasing the top section to achieve that voluminous beehive shape. Smooth the top layer to cover the teased area, and let the rest of your hair fall naturally. You can also add soft waves to the ends for a romantic vibe. For an Adele-inspired style, consider using a hairband or clip to accessorize. The beehive looks stunning on highlighted hair, as the dimension adds even more depth to the style.
3. Long Hair Beehive
Long hair allows for endless creativity with the beehive. Start by sectioning off the top part of your hair, from temple to temple. Tease this section to create as much volume as you desire. Smooth it out and pin it at the back to secure. You can then leave the rest of your hair down in loose curls, sweep it into a high ponytail like Ariana Grande, or twist it into a chic low bun. Add a face-framing tendril for a modern touch, or incorporate a side part to make the look feel fresh and contemporary. This style beautifully showcases ombre, balayage, or vibrant colors.
How to Create a Modern Beehive: Step-by-Step Guide
- Prep with Volume: Start by applying a volumizing mousse or spray to damp hair. Blow-dry using a round brush to lift the roots and add volume.
- Section the Hair: Use a comb to divide your hair into a top section (from the temples up) and a bottom section. Clip the top section out of the way.
- Tease, Tease, Tease: Using a fine-tooth comb, tease the hair at the crown. Hold each section taut and comb it down toward the scalp. This will create the foundation for your beehive. For maximum height, add a small hair padding underneath the teased section.
- Smooth and Shape: Gently smooth the outer layer of your hair over the teased section to form a rounded, polished shape. Use your fingers or a soft brush to mold the beehive into place, ensuring there are no gaps or bumps.
- Secure and Accessorize: Secure the beehive with bobby pins. For a modern twist, add a decorative hair clip, hairband, or even a small silk scarf. Finish with a strong-hold hairspray to lock in the volume and keep the style intact.
Modern Beehive Styling Tips and Ideas
- Face-Framing Layers: Incorporate loose, face-framing layers for a more relaxed and contemporary vibe. This softens the overall look and gives it a romantic feel.
- Play with Texture: For a beachy take on the beehive, add loose waves to the ends of your hair. Use a texturizing spray to create a tousled, carefree look.
- Hair Accessories: A beehive pairs beautifully with accessories like pearl-studded hairpins, velvet headbands, or even a chic hair scarf. This is a great way to add a personal touch to your hairstyle.
Beehive Hair and Color: Make It Pop!
The beehive hairstyle looks incredible on all hair colors, from jet black to platinum blonde. Adding highlights, balayage, or ombre can give the beehive even more dimension and depth. For a more daring look, try pastel colors like pink or lavender, or go bold with fiery red. The contrasting shades will make the volume of your beehive pop even more.
Modern Beehive Hairstyle ideas
Effortless Beehive with Curtain Bangs
This beehive hairstyle brings a relaxed, romantic vibe to the classic look. By adding soft, curtain bangs and some face-framing layers, this style feels youthful and effortlessly chic. Ideal for medium to long hair, the volume at the crown gives that iconic beehive shape, while the loose strands keep it modern. Paired with statement earrings and a floral dress, this beehive is perfect for a day event or a vintage-inspired photoshoot.
Sleek Beehive with a Bold Lip
This sleek, high beehive updo adds a dramatic flair to any outfit. It’s smooth and polished, with carefully teased volume at the crown that creates a bold, sophisticated silhouette. The hair is pulled back neatly, allowing the focus to be on the eyes and lips. Pairing this hairstyle with gold accessories and a deep, glossy lip color enhances its luxurious, evening-ready appeal. It’s perfect for those with longer hair, as it allows for the height and smooth finish that defines this style.
Classic Beehive with a Modern Twist
This hairstyle brings the classic beehive into the present day. The soft volume at the crown and smooth, rounded shape give it that traditional beehive look, but the addition of face-framing layers adds a modern twist. Ideal for formal occasions, this style pairs beautifully with elegant makeup and glamorous earrings. The subtle texture and neat updo make it versatile, working equally well for red carpet events, weddings, or any time you want to add a touch of retro elegance to your look.
Edgy Beehive with a Colorful Twist
Inject some personality into the traditional beehive with bold, eye-catching colors. Adding vibrant streaks, like pastel pinks or deep blues, gives this retro style a futuristic edge. The sleek top section contrasts beautifully with the vibrant underlayer, adding dimension and excitement to your look. Perfect for those with medium-length hair who aren’t afraid to experiment with color. This modern take is both playful and chic, making it ideal for a night out or a statement-making day look.
Mid-Ponytail Beehive Hairstyle
For a modern yet sophisticated spin, combine the beehive with a voluminous ponytail. This style involves creating a bouffant at the crown for that signature beehive height, then sweeping the rest of the hair back into a ponytail positioned midway up the head. The result is elegant yet relaxed—perfect for days when you want to look effortlessly chic. Add some soft waves to the ponytail for extra movement and finish with a light hairspray to keep the look intact. This style works exceptionally well for long hair, especially when highlighted or balayaged, adding depth and shine.
Classic Beehive with a Headband
Channel the vintage vibes with a classic beehive complemented by a sleek headband. The voluminous crown is the star of this look, with smooth sides creating a polished finish. Adding a simple headband not only accentuates the height but also brings a playful, retro touch. Pair this hairstyle with a bold cat-eye liner and pearl earrings to complete the timeless aesthetic. Ideal for shoulder-length to long hair, this look is perfect for both formal events and casual outings.
Textured Beehive for Natural Hair
For those with natural curls or textured hair, this beehive updo embraces volume and movement. The hair is styled into a soft beehive at the crown, with the curls cascading beautifully to create a look that is both structured and carefree. This style is perfect for showcasing the natural texture of your hair while still giving it a polished finish. It’s ideal for medium-length hair and works wonders for adding a touch of elegance to any outfit, whether it’s a formal gown or a chic jumpsuit.
Romantic Beehive Updo with Floral Accents
If you’re looking for a softer, more romantic take on the beehive, this updo is for you. The hair is teased and gathered into a low beehive bun, with delicate tendrils left loose around the face for a gentle, feminine finish. The addition of floral hairpins or accessories adds a whimsical touch, making this style perfect for weddings, proms, or any special occasion. This beehive works best on medium to long hair and pairs beautifully with soft makeup and dainty jewelry.
Sleek and Elegant Beehive for Special Events
Nothing says sophistication quite like a sleek beehive updo. With its smooth, polished finish and refined volume, this look is the epitome of elegance. It’s created by teasing the hair at the crown and gently smoothing the top layer to form a rounded shape. The rest of the hair is tucked into a neat bun at the back, creating a clean and classic silhouette. This hairstyle is ideal for long hair and is the perfect choice for formal events or a glamorous evening out.
FAQ
Q1: How do I keep my beehive from falling flat?
A: To maintain the volume of your beehive, use a strong-hold hairspray after teasing the hair. Also, secure the beehive with plenty of bobby pins. If you have fine hair, consider using a hair padding or a hair doughnut at the crown for extra support.
Q2: Is the beehive hairstyle suitable for curly hair?
A: Absolutely! Curly hair naturally has volume, which makes it perfect for a beehive. Smooth out the top section with a comb or flat iron before teasing to create that classic beehive shape. Add a few curls at the bottom for a chic finish.
Q3: Can I create a beehive with thin hair?
A: Yes, you can! Use volumizing products, tease your hair to create height, and add hair padding or extensions to make the beehive appear fuller. A strong-hold hairspray will help keep everything in place.
Q4: How can I modernize the beehive hairstyle?
A: Modernize your beehive by adding face-framing tendrils, incorporating an off-center part, or accessorizing with a trendy hairband or clip. You can also play with texture—think soft waves or a sleek ponytail paired with the beehive.
The beehive hairstyle is a timeless classic that’s been updated for the modern era. With endless ways to customize and style it, the beehive is versatile enough for any hair length, color, or occasion. So, whether you’re going for an Ariana Grande-inspired high ponytail beehive or a soft, romantic look like Adele, this bold hairstyle is sure to turn heads and add a touch of retro glamour to your look.
