If there’s one thing the 1960s taught us about hair, it’s that volume is an absolute must. This seminal era has given us ample inspiration thanks to a number of over-the-top styles, including one iconic look that’s made its way back on our radar. Enter modern beehive hair, a sophisticated, yet very wearable, spin on the ‘60s beehive hairstyle. And because this versatile hairdo can be worn by a variety of hair textures in many ways, it’s not surprising that there’s been a lot of buzz around its return.
We’ve seen this popular hairstyle make a comeback on the red carpet and the runway, but more wearable interpretations have hit our social feeds. From its origins to more contemporary adaptations, we’re sharing everything you need to know about modern beehive hair—plus photos to inspire your next look.
When Was the Beehive Popular?
As you probably guessed from the looks of the quintessential ‘60s beehive hairdo, the style got its name because of how closely it resembles an actual buzzing beehive. (Technically, it looks more like a hornet’s nest, but that doesn’t sound quite as lovely.)
Created by famed Chicago-based stylist Margaret Vinci Heldt (who first experimented with the hair look on a mannequin), the lofty look rose to fame in the 1960s after being worn by some of the biggest celebrities of the era and showcased on glossy magazine covers worldwide. Understandably, the beehive hairstyle’s predecessor was a ‘50s classic bouffant. And the beehive picked up where that more sculpted style left off, bringing a bigger and bolder energy along with it. Even a certain very influential first lady often donned a beehive hairdo.
Though its popularity waned in the ‘70s when hair trends shifted in favor of more naturally loose, textured, shag-like styles, variations on beehive hairstyles have been a consistent go-to for updos and retro-inspired looks. Today, we’re seeing quite the resurgence of the ‘60s beehive hairstyle, only now with a refreshing twist that blows the dust off its nostalgic roots.
Good hair day by hayleejordancunningham
Bouffant vs. Beehive: What’s the Difference?
Though beehive hairdos and bouffants bring vibes from a bygone time, the styles have some key differences. In terms of their cultural debut, beehive hair looks and classic bouffants somewhat overlapped in the early 1960s and each high-volume ‘do uses teasing techniques to achieve height. But, it is in their respective shapes that they typically differ.
A simple bouffant has a wider, puffier shape than the beehive, with hair notably covering the ears or hanging down the sides. The ‘60s beehive hairdo, however, is fashioned with a more rounded cone shape that sits high on the head and tight at the sides. Afterall, the towering beehive hairstyle was created to complement trendy pillbox hats which were at the height of fashion at the time.
How to Do Beehive Hair
The ‘60s beehive hairdo was all about that sky-high volume, which required lots of hair teasing, backcombing, and, of course, the right products. To recreate that classic silhouette, follow these instructions:
Step 1: Blow dry with a round brush
Apply a volumizing product that features a targeted applicator—like Matrix High Amplify Wonder Boost—to clean, dry or damp hair either at the scalp or all over. Then, blow dry your hair in sections using a round brush to promote volume. If your hair has already been washed and dried, you can skip this step. Sometimes creating volume on day two (or older) hair is easier.
Step 2: Divide hair into top and bottom sections
Using a comb or your fingers, divide the top section of your hair starting from your ears up. Clip up the top section. For the bottom section, you can either leave it down as is, style with texture or waves, create a low chignon, or pin it up completely. Current hair inspo shows a wide range of styling options for the bottom section and it is here that you can play up your hair’s natural texture.
Step 3: Grab your hairspray
Now for the beehive. The main event calls for a little imagination and even more patience. Reserve another section of hair at the front of your head, then apply a texturizing hairspray to the roots of the remaining top section. We recommend Redken Quick Tease Backcombing Root-Finishing Hairspray, a long-lasting, easy-to-use spray that offers a textured matte finish without feeling overly sticky. Avoid heavy or oily formulas that will weigh your strands down or clump hair together.
Step 4: Tease, tease, tease
Liberally backcomb the section you just sprayed to create volume. To effectively tease your hair, hold the section taut and comb the hair down towards your scalp at least three times. This should build a thick nest of hair close to the head that is the base for your ‘60s beehive hairdo. Then gently place the front (non-teased) section over the teased area to fashion your beehive. Use either your hands or a finer-toothed comb to develop your shape, making sure to tame the sides and smooth the top of your beehive.
Be mindful of any open gaps or unwanted dents in the back of your style that can ruin the effect. If it’s dramatic volume you’re after, reach for additional extensions or filling hair pieces to create the illusion of density. This part takes trial and error, so experiment with the shape of the teased hair and don’t feel like you have to get it right the first time.
Aim for a balanced, symmetrical shape and, once you’re satisfied, give your hair one final spritz of hairspray to lock everything in place. (Psst. Here’s a more in-depth guide to teasing hair).
How Do You Style a Modern Beehive?
The 1960s beehive was very voluminous and sometimes even required faux hair to achieve depth and height. Today’s beehive hair feels more like a subtle nod to the original style. Adding details like face-framing tendrils, off-center parts, and chic, minimalist hair accessories are just some of the ways you can update this signature look. Playful, long layers, ombré hair hues, and gravity-defying ponytail accents add a jolt of Instagram-worthy energy to the traditional hived hair.
You truly can put your own unique spin on this often-referenced style. The key is to focus on creating structured volume at the front and allow elements of individuality towards the back!
8 Beehive Hairstyles To Try Now
As we mentioned, modern beehive hair is a great canvas for variation. Casual, wedding-ready, long hair, or cropped—there’s a little something for everyone with this contemporary take. Here are a few ideas to inspire your own take on this buzzy look.
Good hair day by @kristy.hair.stylist
Beehive Updo
Perfect for formal events (and even weddings!), this updo features soft height at the crown and a loose, romantic style. Even better, this wavy look works for almost any hair type, most mid-to-longer cuts and even full bangs.
Good hair day by @yeshipolito
Bigger Better Beehive
This year is all about going big, and this spin on beehive hair totally fits the bill. The teased and heightened section at the front feels sculptural, and there’s zero holding back on the remaining hair’s volume. Go big or go home.
Loose and Layered Beehive
For a sweeter feel, keep your beehive less structured and focus on creating loose volume at the crown. The sporadically placed, informal bobby pins and a hint of imperfection make this variation on the beehive feel cool and lived in. This type of attainable look pairs well with dramatic highlights or balayage.
Good hair day by @wura.r
Textured Layered Beehive
Let your rich, natural texture be the star in this beehive that features a flirty side-swept front, sky-high hive, and loose, messy ends. To keep the integrity of your texture, use minimal hairspray and teasing and, instead, focus on achieving touchable, controlled height and a memorable shape with Mizani Styling HRM Humidity Resistant Spray.
Headband Beehive
We always dig a good headband moment, especially when it comes with this kind of controlled volume! The height of this style has a not-so-subtle retro feel that is totally reminiscent of a classic beehive hairstyle.
Good hair day by @hairbyelliefay
Mid Ponytail Beehive Hairstyle
Instead of a more expected updo, consider creating a bouffant at the crown and then sweeping the rest of your hair back into a voluminous ponytail secured in the middle of your crown. Ideal for humid nights out or lowkey off-duty days, finish this hairstyle with a gentle pomade.
Colorful Beehive
Here’s a way to bring your beehive back to the future. Infuse the classic look with bold streaks of pink or any richly-saturated color of your choice to offer an unexpected twist on the ‘60s staple.
Good hair day by @tonyastylist
Business-Ready Beehive
Business in the front and business in the back, this sleek interpretation of the mod style is the boardroom ready. Part loose braid, part high-style ponytail, everything about this sculpted hair look screams “quiet luxury”.
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Header photo credit: @hairbylaurachadwick
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