From sleek and polished to soft and tousled, these beehive hairdos add lift and elegance to any occasion.
Flat hair at the crown? Nothing fixes that faster than a beehive. Beehive hairdos have a way of making you stand taller and feel dressed up, even in a simple outfit. The style began in 1960, when Chicago stylist Margaret Vinci Heldt created it after eyeing a velvet fez in her closet, and it never went out of style. Today’s versions are softer and far easier to wear than the stiff, hairsprayed originals. This list makes choosing simple, with something for every hair length, texture and occasion.
Classic 60s Beehive Hairdo
This is the original showstopper: smooth, tall and unapologetically glamorous. The look took off in the 1960s with film stars like Audrey Hepburn and Brigitte Bardot, and it still turns heads at retro events. Ask your stylist for a rounded cone shape with a polished outer layer.
Modern Soft Beehive
Want the height without the helmet? This version keeps the volume at the crown and loosens everything else. According to Hair.com, today’s beehive is a subtle nod to the original rather than a full replica. It’s one of the most wearable ways to try the trend.
Beehive Updo
This is the full-glam option. Tease all the hair from the roots, smooth the outer layer and pin the shape in place. Salonory’s styling guide recommends this method for a complete updo. Perfect for formal dinners and anniversary parties.
Half-Up Beehive
Can’t decide between up and down? Keep both. Tease only the upper section, shape the beehive, and let the rest fall free. Tip: Pin the beehive about an inch above the middle of the back of your head, the placement Schwarzkopf’s how-to suggests for a balanced shape.
Messy Beehive
Perfectly imperfect never goes out of style. Skip the smoothing step and leave the crown a little tousled for a lived-in, off-duty vibe. This one suits you if you love height but hate fuss.
Sleek Smooth Beehive
Polish is the whole point here. Brush the outer layer until it gleams, then lock it down with a light-hold spray. Chances are you’ll get compliments before the appetizers arrive.
Low Beehive
Not ready to go sky-high? Drop the beehive toward the nape of your neck. The shape is still unmistakably retro, but it feels calm and refined. It’s a lovely pick for church, luncheons and family gatherings.
Beehive Ponytail
Here’s a fun twist on the usual updo. Build a bouffant at the crown, then sweep the rest of your hair into a voluminous ponytail, a style Hair.com highlights as a fresh alternative. Simply tie the ponytail mid-crown for extra lift.
Beehive with Side-Swept Bangs
Soft bangs round out the shape beautifully. Sweep them to one side and pin them lightly so they frame your eyes and cheekbones. This look works well if you want a little softness around your face.
Beehive with Curtain Bangs
Curtain bangs bring a dreamy 70s touch to a 60s classic. Part them down the middle and let them fall away from your face. We can’t get enough of this retro-meets-now mix.
Headband Beehive
This one is so easy, and so chic. Slide a wide headband just behind the beehive and let the volume spill over it. Choose velvet for evening or a simple satin band for daytime.
Beehive with Loose Curls
Pile the top into a soft beehive and let loose curls cascade from underneath. Romantic? Absolutely. It’s ideal for medium or long hair, and if you’re after more cut inspiration, check out these medium length hairstyles for women over 50.
Beehive with Braids
A thin braid across the front gives the beehive a crown-like finish. Pin the braid ends securely behind the shape so nothing peeks out. It’s a great pick for boho brides and festival lovers.
Beehive Bun
Think of this as the beehive’s laid-back cousin. Gather your hair at the crown, tease the base, and wrap the ends into a tall, rounded bun. Simple, quick and perfect for busy mornings.
Short Hair Beehive
Yes, you can wear a beehive with short hair. Tease the crown for lift, brush the top smooth, and let the shorter layers frame your face. Start with a flattering cut like these layered bob hairstyles for women over 60, and the volume comes easily.
Beehive Hairdo for Thin Hair
Thin or fine hair gains real body from a beehive. Tease lightly at the roots, add a volumizing powder, and use a hair pad or small hairpiece for extra height. Looking for more volume ideas? Browse these hairstyles for thin, fine hair over 50.
Beehive for Grey Hair
Silver hair and a beehive make a stunning pair. The shine of grey strands catches the light and highlights every curve of the shape. Hint: Use a purple shampoo weekly to keep the silver bright, then see more ideas in these short hairstyles for grey hair over 50.
Layered Beehive
Layers add movement and make teasing easier. The shorter pieces blend into the shape, while longer ones fall softly around your shoulders. Not sure which layers suit you? Explore these layered hairstyles for women over 50 before your next salon visit.
Textured Beehive
Add grit and a little attitude. Work texture spray through the crown and finish with a light mist of hairspray for a matte, modern look. This is for you if shiny and smooth feels too formal.
Wedding Beehive Hairdo
Weddings and beehives go together like cake and champagne. For a romantic finish, Sixty and Me suggests leaving volume at the sides and adding a soft beehive on top. Perfect for brides, bridesmaids and guests who love a little vintage drama.
Elegant Evening Beehive
Dress up the shape with a few polished details. Slick the sides back, build height at the crown, and pair it with statement earrings. This look screams black-tie glamour.
Dramatic Bouffant Beehive
Go big or go home. The beehive is a rounded cone, while the bouffant is wider and puffier, so blend the two for maximum volume. It’s the one to wear when you want every eye in the room.
Beehive with Hair Accessories
Accessories make any beehive feel special. Try a silk scarf, a ribbon, a pearl clip or a fresh flower tucked at the base. Tip: Keep it to one standout piece so the shape stays the star.
How do you make a beehive hairdo?
Tease the hair at the crown, smooth the top layer over the teased section, and pin the shape in place. Finish with hairspray for hold.
Can you do a beehive on short or thin hair?
Absolutely. Light teasing, a volumizing product and a small hair pad give short or fine hair plenty of height.
How do you keep a beehive from falling flat?
Start with second-day hair or add texture spray to clean strands. Finish with texture products and a firm-hold spray, the final step Salonory recommends for keeping the shape intact.
How do you protect your hair from backcombing damage?
Tease gently and save the style for special occasions. Always brush the knots out carefully before bed and use a nourishing conditioner after washing.
What is the difference between a beehive and a bouffant?
A beehive rises into a rounded cone at the crown. A bouffant is wider, puffier and sits over the sides of the head.
