Easy Beehive Tutorials for Beginners: Reviving the Iconic 60s Look

The beehive hairstyle is an enduring symbol of 1960s glamour, a look that defies gravity and commands attention. From the soulful elegance of Amy Winehouse to the chic runways of Milan, this voluminous updo continues to make waves in modern fashion. However, for many, the architecture of such a style seems daunting. The good news is that achieving this look does not require a degree in engineering. With the right tools and techniques, easy beehive tutorials for beginners can transform flat hair into a retro masterpiece.

While professional salons are always available for special occasions, learning to create a beehive at home is an empowering skill. It adds a touch of drama to a night out and serves as a sophisticated option for formal events. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the preparation, the fundamental teasing techniques, and several variations of the style ranging from the classic full updo to the modern half-up twist. By breaking down the process into manageable steps, anyone can master the art of the beehive.

In this guide, we will explore the essential products needed to maintain hold without stiffness, how to backcomb without damaging your hair, and how to smooth the outer layer for that polished, glass-like finish. Whether you have long, thick locks or shorter, fine hair, there is a variation of the beehive that can work for you. Let’s dive into the world of retro volume.

Essential Tools for the Perfect Beehive

Before attempting any easy beehive tutorials for beginners, it is crucial to gather the necessary arsenal of styling tools. The success of a beehive relies heavily on the preparation and the equipment used. Attempting this style with clean, slippery hair and no product is often a recipe for deflation. To ensure your style holds up through a night of dancing or a long event, you need to create texture and grip.

First and foremost, a high-quality tail comb is non-negotiable. This tool is used for sectioning the hair cleanly and, more importantly, for backcombing (teasing) the roots to create the foundation of the hive. Additionally, a natural boar bristle brush is essential for the smoothing phase. While the comb builds the messy volume underneath, the boar bristle brush gently smooths the top layer of hair over the tease without collapsing the volume you have worked hard to create.

Regarding products, a texturizing spray or dry shampoo is vital, especially if you are working with freshly washed hair. These products add grit to the hair strands, allowing them to stack upon one another more effectively. You will also need a strong-hold hairspray—one that freezes the style in place but allows for a bit of manipulation during the styling process. Finally, have a generous supply of bobby pins that match your hair color, and consider using a hair donut or padding if you have fine hair and need artificial help to achieve significant height.

The Art of Backcombing: The Foundation of Volume

The secret to any beehive lies in the backcombing. Many beginners shy away from this step for fear of tangling or damaging their hair, but when done correctly, it is safe and effective. To start, section off the "crown" area of your hair—this is where the hive will sit. Clip the rest of your hair out of the way. Take a small subsection of hair, about an inch thick, and hold it straight up toward the ceiling.

Insert your tail comb about three or four inches from the roots. Push the comb down toward the scalp in a fluid, C-shaped motion. Remove the comb, reset it at the starting point, and push down again. Do not saw the comb back and forth, as this causes friction damage. You are essentially packing the hair down toward the scalp to create a cushion. Repeat this process until the section stands up on its own. This "cushion" is the structural integrity of your beehive.

Continue this process layer by layer throughout the crown section. As you tease each section, spray it lightly with hairspray to lock the volume in. It will look messy and chaotic at this stage—resembling a bird's nest—but trust the process. This chaotic base is what supports the smooth, elegant dome that characterizes the final look. Once the entire crown is teased, you are ready to move on to shaping the style.

Tutorial 1: The Classic Full Beehive Updo

This is the quintessential 60s look, perfect for formal events or vintage-themed parties. Once you have your crown section heavily teased as described above, it is time to shape the hive. Gently gather the teased hair into a mass. Using your boar bristle brush, very lightly smooth the outermost layer of the hair. Imagine you are polishing the surface of a fragile bubble; you want to align the top hairs without crushing the tease underneath.

Pull the smoothed teased section backward to form a dome shape at the back of your head. Push the volume slightly forward to increase the height at the crown before securing it. Use large bobby pins to pin the base of the dome against your scalp. Criss-cross the pins to ensure they lock into place. At this point, you should have a secure "bump" or hive on the top of your head with the lengths of your hair hanging down.

To finish the full updo, take the remaining length of hair at the back and twist it upwards. You can create a French twist (pleat) that tucks into the bottom of the beehive, or simply twist the hair into a bun at the nape of the neck. Secure everything with U-shaped pins for comfort. Finish with a heavy mist of lacquer spray. This style elongates the neck and highlights the cheekbones, making it a timeless choice for elegance.

Tutorial 2: The Modern "Bardot" Half-Up Beehive

For those who find a full updo too severe or formal, the half-up beehive—often associated with Brigitte Bardot—offers a softer, more romantic alternative. This style keeps the height and drama of the beehive but allows the length of the hair to flow freely, framing the face. It is one of the most popular easy beehive tutorials for beginners because it requires less pinning and precision at the nape.

Start by curling the ends of your hair with a large-barrel curling iron to add movement and softness. Apply texturizing powder to the roots. Separate the top half of your hair (from ear to ear) from the bottom half. Clip the bottom half away. Tease the crown section vigorously to create your volume cushion. Leave two front sections (bangs or face-framing layers) loose to soften the look.

Smooth the teased section back, just as you did for the classic style. However, instead of pinning it all up, you will gather the teased section at the back of the head, right in the center. Push it upward to maximize height, then secure it with bobby pins or a decorative barrette. The key here is to let the sides remain somewhat loose and draped, rather than pulled tight against the skull. This creates that effortless, "I just woke up like this" vintage vibe. Finish by running your fingers through the lengths to break up the curls.

Tutorial 3: The "Cheat" Beehive for Fine Hair

Not everyone is blessed with thick, coarse hair that holds a tease easily. For those with fine or silky hair, achieving a massive beehive solely through backcombing can be difficult and potentially damaging if overdone. This is where hair padding or foam donuts come into play. This "cheat" method guarantees volume that will not deflate, regardless of humidity or hair texture.

Purchase a hair sponge or "bump-it" accessory that matches your hair color. Section off a layer of hair at the crown shaped like a horseshoe. Place the foam padding directly onto the scalp underneath this section and pin the padding securely to your head using bobby pins. This padding acts as the internal structure of the hive, replacing the need for excessive teasing.

Take the section of hair you lifted, lightly tease the underside for grip, and then smooth it over the foam padding. Ensure the hair completely covers the sponge so no synthetic material is visible. Gather the hair at the base of the sponge and pin it securely. The result is a perfectly shaped, high-volume beehive with minimal effort. This technique is widely used in professional salons for bridal styling because of its reliability.

Tutorial 4: The Messy Beehive Bun

Bridging the gap between the structured 60s aesthetic and modern grunge, the messy beehive bun is perfect for casual outings. It combines the height of a beehive with the nonchalance of a messy bun. This style works best on second or third-day hair, as natural oils help hold the texture better than freshly washed strands.

Begin by flipping your head upside down and spraying dry shampoo generously throughout the roots. Flip back up and tease the crown section aggressively. Don't worry about being too neat; texture is the goal here. Pull all your hair back as if you were making a mid-height ponytail, but keep the teased volume at the crown intact. Secure with a hair tie, but on the last loop, don't pull the hair all the way through, creating a loop bun.

Take the loose ends sticking out of the bun and wrap them messily around the hair tie to hide the elastic. Pin them loosely. Now, use your fingers to gently tug at the crown hair, pulling it upward to exaggerate the beehive shape. Pull out a few wisps around the hairline and near the ears. The contrast between the high volume on top and the messy texture of the bun creates a cool, edgy silhouette that pairs perfectly with denim or leather jackets.

Troubleshooting and Styling Tips

Even with the best instructions, styling hair can be unpredictable. One common issue beginners face is the "split" beehive, where the hair separates in the back, revealing the teased mesh underneath. To prevent this, ensure you are using enough hair spray on the finished surface, and use U-pins to stitch the surface hair to the teased base. If a split occurs, gently comb the hair back together and apply a strong-hold lacquer.

Another tip is to manage the silhouette. A beehive should not just be tall; it needs to be balanced. Check your profile in a dual mirror setup. The curve of the beehive should flow naturally from your forehead. If it looks too square or boxy, use your hands to mold the shape while the hairspray is still wet. Don't be afraid to use your hands to sculpt the hair—warmth from your palms can help tame flyaways and smooth the shape better than a comb sometimes can.

Finally, washing out a beehive requires patience. Do not attempt to drag a comb through the teased knots immediately. In the shower, saturate your hair with conditioner first, before shampooing. Let the conditioner sit for five minutes to soften the hair cuticles and provide slip. Gently detangle with your fingers or a wide-tooth comb from the ends moving upward. Only after the knots are loosened should you shampoo.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I do a beehive on short hair? Yes, absolutely. If you have a bob or lob, you can create a "half-hive." Focus on teasing the crown area to create the bump and pin the sides back. If your hair is very short, focusing on volume at the crown with backcombing and hairspray can create a beehive silhouette even without pinning the hair up.

2. Will backcombing damage my hair? If done correctly, backcombing causes minimal damage. The key is to pack the hair down rather than sawing the comb up and down aggressively. Always detangle gently with conditioner and a wide-tooth comb when washing the style out to prevent breakage.

3. How do I make my beehive stay up all night? The secret is the "foundation." Clean hair is too slippery. Use dry shampoo or texture spray before starting. Additionally, using a foam filler or donut provides a solid structure that won't collapse, unlike air-filled teased hair which can flatten over time.

4. What is the best hairspray for a beehive? You need two types of spray. A workable, medium-hold spray for the building phase (so you can still brush through it if needed) and a maximum-hold, lacquer-finish spray for the final seal. Look for products labeled "extra strong hold" or "freeze."

5. Can I create a beehive with curly hair? Yes, curly hair actually holds a tease better than straight hair due to its natural texture. You may not need to tease as aggressively. You can either smooth the top layer straight for a classic look or leave the natural curl pattern visible for a textured, modern beehive.

6. How do I hide the bobby pins? Use bobby pins that match your hair color. When pinning, push the pin into the hair, then rotate it and push it back in the opposite direction (locking technique). This hides the pin inside the structure of the hair rather than letting it sit on top.

Conclusion

Mastering the beehive is a journey into the history of hair fashion, a nod to an era where volume was synonymous with glamour. By following these easy beehive tutorials for beginners, you can recreate this timeless style in the comfort of your own home. Whether you opt for the severe elegance of the classic updo, the romantic flow of the Bardot half-up, or the edgy appeal of the messy bun, the principles remain the same: preparation, proper backcombing, and finishing finesse.

Remember that styling hair is an art form, and practice makes perfect. Do not be discouraged if your first attempt isn't runway-ready. With the right tools—a good teasing comb, a smoothing brush, and trusted styling products—you will soon be able to whip up a beehive that rivals those seen in professional salons. Embrace the volume, experiment with the height, and wear your retro look with confidence.