Beehive hair is formed by running a comb up and down the hair shaft, a.k.a. teasing it, to create a volumized backcombed effect, which is then lightly combed over to smoothen. The longer or thicker the hair, the higher and denser the beehive!
Look 1: How to Create a Half-Up Beehive Hairdo
Before we get into the ins and outs of creating the style, however, first, some interesting background on the hairstyle itself: After less voluminous styles took over the 1950s, beehive hair was a refreshing contrast. In the 1950s, styles like the bouffant, which focused more on the width of your hair rather than height, dominated the hair industry. The beehive hairstyle was a refreshing update since it emphasized the height of your style and didn’t require you to cut your hair shorter, as did the bouffant. For a modern (and perhaps easier) twist on this classic look, we’re sharing several ways to rock a beehive hairdo, featuring a classic half-up, half-down combo, big birthday beehive, a ’60s-inspired look, and a cool beehive hairstyle for the holidays from the super-charming beauty blogger Dulce Candy. Read on to check out how to master beehive hair with some help from our detailed tutorials:
Look 2: A Glamorous Birthday Beehive Hairdo
Step 1: Wash and condition.
Start off by washing and conditioning your hair with a volume-enhancing system. This style depends on mega amounts of volume and even the thickest of hair will need all the help it can get.
Step 2: Blow-dry.
Blow-dry your hair with your head upside down. This will ensure that the roots dry away from your scalp, infusing more volume at the root.
Step 3: Tease hair.
Separate a small parted section at the front of your hairline, comb the rest towards the back of your head, and then begin teasing. Concentrate the teasing on the top half of your head and don’t hold back. The more volume, the better! We can reel it in later on.
Step 4: Comb hair back.
Using a brush, lightly comb the very top section of your teased hair and pull it into a high bun. The trick is to carefully shape the teased section and not disturb the style while creating the bun. Secure it with a hair tie.
Step 5: Lock it in!
Use some bobby pins to secure any stray hairs and spray the entire style with TRESemmé Compressed Micro Mist Boost Hold Level 3 Hair Spray. Comb the front sections away from your face and tuck them behind your ears. Rock this glamorous birthday style with ease all night long!
Look 3: Modern Beehive Hairstyles by Dulce Candy
Look 4: How to Create ’60s Beehive Hair
30 Modern Ways to Wear the Iconic Beehive Hairstyle
Check out 30 modern ways to wear a beehive hairstyle:
1. Half-Up with Long Hair
A backcombed half-updo plus side-swept bangs? Make this your next prom look. This look is all about the messy and undone elements. Don’t bother smoothing out the top of the style and instead embrace the messiness of the style.
2. Softly Rounded
A perfect way to infuse some ’60s-inspired volume into any wedding or formal hairstyle. The subtle beehive bump pays homage to the style without veering into super dramatic territory.
3. Short Beehive
Short hair? No problem: Use bobby pins to pin up your blown-out hair, section by section. This prom-inspired style features volume up on top that includes a beehive element. Paired with sideswept bangs, this style couldn’t be any more perfect.
4. Classic ’60s
Use a hair bumper (a true 1960s hair hack!) to get even more substantial volume at the crown. We love this as an alternative to a style that sits completely vertical. By opting for a more horizontal shape, you can customize this look to your unique style.
5. Wispy
Loose tendrils (plus that timeless storybook auburn shade) give a slightly Victorian take on the beehive. Use a curling iron to add a subtle curl to the loose strands and skip the hairspray so the waves fall naturally.
6. Sleek
Nothing says ice-princess chic more than a sharp side part and a bumpy half-updo (with fur and diamonds, of course). Use a shine serum on your strands before you start styling to add a high-shine finish to your style.
7. Tousled
A modern-day gal’s take on a classic: no-fuss parting and easy, natural volume up top. This face-framing style flatters just about every face shape while also allowing you to include the signature volume up on top.
8. Middle-Part Half-Updo
A center part makes the look even more approachable. Soft and easy, this modern take on a beehive style is appropriate for work, date night, the weekend and beyond! Use a comb or hair brush to smooth out the top of the style.
9. Middle-Part Half-Updo, Wavy
Layer on some mermaid waves to that middle-parted beehive for an added dose of ladylike charm. These face-framing pieces add an easy and laidback finish to your style for a slightly less formal option.
10. Beehive Bob
Nothing is impossible with the right amount of firm-hold hairspray! We love the staying power of Suave Max Hold Aerosol Hairspray. Use this hairspray to solidify your style and ensure that volume stays put all night long.
11. Pretty in Punk
Salmon pink and loose around the ends? There are no rules. Slide a sparkling tiara at the front of the style to highlight the beehive shape and add another touch of drama to your bold hairstyle.
12. Copper
Call us obsessed, but a half-updo beehive in a trending, shiny ginger hue? A showstopper. This is another example of a style that depends on messiness so don’t bother with any product to smooth out the look!
13. Bangs with Ponytail
Hands-down our fave everyday way to style a bumped-up ’do this decade. Pair your bump with a full set of fringe and a mid-height ponytail for this super vintage style. It will stay put all day long!
14. Crisp and Cropped
Close-to-the-nape haircuts can achieve a beehive hair hack by teasing slightly at the crown and spraying the bangs to one side. This deep side part adds a modern twist to the classic vintage style.
15. Curly Updo
Why not play with a slightly curly texture up top for some added interest? Forget about your flat iron and instead use a curling wand to add some wave to your style before you start styling.
16. Straight Base
A sharp, straight high hairline base gets some ‘60s beehive flavor when pulled into a high pony, which is then teased for volume and fashioned into a bun. This style combines the sleek and edgy with vintage and nostalgic with ease.
17. Uptown
From the seamless fringe and hairline parting to the soft, dainty texture, this is the iconic beehive hair look of those ladies-who-lunch. Embrace the classic elements of the beehive style with this perfect throwback style.
18. Bumpy Pony
Tease the crown first, then gather all hair into a really low ponytail (like, kissing-the-nape low). Gently smooth the teased part over with a fine-toothed comb, then finish it off with a shine spray, like Bedhead by TIGI Headrush Shine Hairspray.
19. Headband
Beehives in the summer? Why yes, please: A cute scarf or headband affords a boho, heat-friendly touch. It also keeps any frizziness from taking over and ruining your style!
20. Bleached and Bouncy
Two words: hot rollers. Set hair in rollers, then create a high half-ponytail leaving the bang area free, splitting the pony in the middle for that center-parted effect. Finish off by creating a center part in the bang area and fluffing up those curls with a brush.
21. Magpie
This downtown take on the beehive involves creating a side bun on the upper half and a low, side-swept ponytail. This unexpected combination of styles allows you to wear multiple trends in the same style!
22. Beribboned
A classic black ribbon gives choker-like feels to this otherwise precious hairstyle. We love the contrast of a bold black ribbon with bright blonde hair, but you can create this kind of contrast on any hair color!
23. Hair Sponge
Have finer hair? Never fear: Use a hair sponge close to your base color to create fullness at the crown, and camouflage any seams with your fringe. Click here for a quick hair sponge tutorial!
24. Soft and Low-Key
Instead of teasing, simply create a loose, low chignon—then use the end of a rat-tail comb to purposefully pick underneath the crown for a more controlled “bump.” You can tease the hair at the crown of your head before you start styling to increase the volume instantly.
25. Accessorized
Pick the sparkliest, most feminine accessory you can find (we’re partial to rhinestoned anything)—yes, even a baby tiara!—and nestle it in the middle of your beehive for that good ol’ Hollywood princess touch.
26. Leather Headband
On the flipside, grunge up your beehive by leaving the lengths loose and shimmying up a skinny leather or satin headband at the base. This breaks up the beehive for a doubled up style that’s super edgy and cool.
27. Retro Blown-Out
Can you say divine? We love the beehive effect on loose, straight, blown-out hair—so luscious. This is a great way to combine the vintage with the modern and rock current and throwback trends all at the same time.
28. Sweet and Wavy
A crowd-pleasing wedding look for all seasons, this sweet and wavy beehive style is what vintage hairstyle dreams are made of. Use a generous mist of hairspray to lock the style in place.
29. Scarf
Another scarfed look, only this time, loosely tied around. Bonus points for matching ’60s-friendly pastel eyeliner! Tie the bow in a dramatic fashion to make sure it makes a statement! We can’t get enough of this bright and bold style.
30. French Bombshell
For those days you’re biking along the French Riviera in the summer because hey, why not? Use bobby pins locked together in a criss-cross fashion to secure the half-up portion of this style. Looking for more hair inspiration? Be sure to check us out over @AllThingsHairUS!
