How to Accessorize Your Beehive with Scrunchies

Fashion is cyclical, often pulling from the most iconic eras to create something entirely new and exciting. Two of the most distinct hair trends in history—the structured, voluminous beehive of the 1960s and the casual, fabric-covered scrunchie of the 1980s and 90s—have recently collided. This unexpected pairing has resulted in a look that is equal parts sophisticated and playful. Learning how to accessorize your beehive with scrunchies is not just about throwing a hair tie around a bun; it is an art form that balances silhouette, texture, and color to create a modern masterpiece.

The beehive, known technically as a bouffant, relies on height and drama. Traditionally, it was adorned with satin ribbons, headbands, or simple pins. However, the modern resurgence of this style embraces a more relaxed, "undone" aesthetic. This is where the scrunchie enters the narrative. By introducing a soft, oversized scrunchie to the architectural structure of a beehive, you soften the look, making it wearable for brunch, the office, or even a red-carpet event. Furthermore, scrunchies are significantly gentler on the hair than traditional elastics, making them the perfect tool for securing heavy, teased sections without causing breakage.

In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the nuances of merging these two vintage trends. From selecting the right fabric to mastering placement techniques that enhance volume rather than flatten it, this post covers everything you need to know about styling a beehive with the ultimate accessory.

The Evolution of the Beehive: From Stiff to Soft

To understand how to accessorize effectively, one must first understand the canvas. The beehive of the mid-20th century was a feat of engineering, often requiring half a can of hairspray and uncomfortable backcombing to maintain a helmet-like rigidity. It was beautiful, but it was stiff. The contemporary beehive, however, prioritizes movement and texture. It is often referred to as the "messy hive" or the "bedroom bouffant."

This evolution is crucial when introducing scrunchies. A rigid, glass-smooth beehive might look jarring with a slouchy cotton scrunchie. However, a textured, slightly wispy beehive pairs perfectly with the soft folds of fabric. The goal of the modern beehive is to create an elongated silhouette that flatters the jawline and neck while remaining touchable. When you accessorize your beehive with scrunchies, you are essentially bridging the gap between high-glamour and effortless cool.

Professional stylists note that the key to this look is the foundation. Before even reaching for an accessory, the hair must be prepped with volumizing powder and a good teasing brush. The "cushion" of hair created at the crown provides the anchor that the scrunchie will rest against. Without this solid foundation, the weight of a large scrunchie could cause the style to collapse. Therefore, the relationship between the hair structure and the accessory is symbiotic: the hair supports the scrunchie, and the scrunchie visually frames the hair.

Choosing the Right Scrunchie: Fabric and Size Matter

Not all scrunchies are created equal, especially when dealing with a high-volume hairstyle. The market is flooded with options ranging from micro-scrunchies to "cloud" scrunchies that are the size of a dinner plate. Selecting the correct accessory is the difference between a style that looks intentional and one that looks like an afterthought.

The Material World

When accessorizing a beehive, texture is your best friend.

Silk and Satin: These are the gold standards for hair health. They glide over the hair cuticle, preventing frizz and breakage. Aesthetically, a silk scrunchie adds a lustrous sheen that complements the shine of healthy hair. This choice is ideal for evening wear or professional settings, adding a touch of elegance to the updo.

Velvet: For the cooler months or holiday parties, velvet is unmatched. It offers a rich, matte texture that absorbs light, providing a beautiful contrast if you have shiny, highlighted hair. Velvet also has more "grip" than silk, making it a practical choice if your beehive feels a bit heavy or slippery.

Organza and Tulle: These sheer fabrics are perfect for spring and summer. They provide massive volume (due to the stiffness of the fabric) without the visual weight. An oversized organza scrunchie can look like a floating cloud around the base of a beehive, adding a whimsical, fairy-tale element to the style.

Size and Scale

Scale is critical when working with a beehive. A tiny, standard-sized scrunchie will get lost under the mass of teased hair. To properly balance the visual weight of the beehive, you generally need an oversized or jumbo scrunchie. The accessory needs to be substantial enough to stand up to the volume of the hair. If the scrunchie is too small, the head can look disproportionately large; if it is too big, it can overwhelm the face. A medium-to-large "cloud" scrunchie usually strikes the perfect balance.

Placement Technique 1: The Base Wrap

The most popular and structurally sound way to accessorize your beehive with scrunchies is the Base Wrap. This technique uses the scrunchie not just as decoration, but as a functional element to hide the pins and elastics holding the structure together.

How to Achieve It:

• Construct the Hive: Begin by sectioning off the crown area. Backcomb this section heavily to create your cushion. Smooth the top layer over the teased hair and pin it securely at the back of the head, creating the classic half-up beehive shape.

• Secure the Length: Gather the remaining hair (and the ends of the beehive section) into a ponytail or a low bun, depending on your preference.

• The Scrunchie Insertion: Take your oversized scrunchie and loop it over the ponytail or bun. If you are doing a full updo where all hair is pinned up, place the scrunchie around the gathered point where the beehive meets the nape of the neck.

• Fluff and Position: Once the scrunchie is on, do not leave it flat. Pull at the fabric to maximize its volume. The scrunchie should sit snugly against the base of the tease, acting as a decorative collar for the beehive.

This placement creates a clear visual separation between the voluminous crown and the sleek neck, emphasizing the height of the hair.

Placement Technique 2: The Top Knot Halo

For a more daring and fashion-forward approach, the Top Knot Halo places the accessory much higher on the head. This style is reminiscent of 60s icons who wore scarves wrapped around the high point of their updos. This works best with a "full beehive" (where all hair is swept up) rather than a half-up style.

How to Achieve It:

• Full Updo Prep: Brush all hair upward. You may need to do this in sections to ensure the back is smooth. Create your backcombed volume at the crown and twist the lengths of the hair into a French twist or a high bun.

• High Placement: Instead of placing the scrunchie at the nape, place it around the very top bun or the apex of the twist.

• The Halo Effect: If you are using a jumbo scrunchie, it will sit like a halo or a crown around the highest point of the style. This draws the eye upward, adding inches to your height and creating a very striking silhouette.

This technique requires a scrunchie with strong elastic, as it needs to grip the hair against gravity. Velvet is an excellent fabric choice here for its non-slip properties.

Color Theory: Matching vs. Contrasting

Once you have mastered the physical placement, the next step in learning how to accessorize your beehive with scrunchies is mastering color theory. The color of your accessory can completely change the vibe of the hairstyle.

Monochromatic Chic

Matching your scrunchie to your hair color creates a seamless, sculptural look. A brunette wearing a chocolate brown velvet scrunchie, or a blonde wearing a champagne silk scrunchie, creates an illusion of even more hair volume. The accessory blends in, adding texture without breaking the visual line. This is a sophisticated, understated approach suitable for formal events or corporate environments.

High Contrast Pop

For a fun, retro-inspired look, choose a color that contrasts sharply with your hair. A pastel pink scrunchie on dark hair, or a navy blue scrunchie on platinum blonde hair, creates a focal point. This draws attention to the accessory and the intricate styling of the beehive.

Outfit Coordination

Another strategy is to link the hair accessory to the outfit. If you are wearing a floral dress, picking a solid-colored scrunchie that matches one of the accent colors in the print ties the whole look together. This makes the hairstyle feel like an integral part of the ensemble rather than a separate entity.

Styling for Occasions: Day vs. Night

The versatility of the scrunchie-beehive combo allows it to transition effortlessly from a casual coffee date to an evening gala. It is all about the finish of the hair and the embellishment of the accessory.

Daytime Casual: For a daytime look, opt for a "messy" beehive. Allow tendrils to fall around the face and nape. Don't worry about smoothing every flyaway. Pair this with a cotton, linen, or jersey knit scrunchie. Prints like gingham, polka dots, or florals work beautifully here. The matte fabric suggests ease and practicality, making the high-volume hair feel appropriate for daylight hours.

Evening Glamour: For the evening, the beehive should be sleeker. Use a finishing pomade to smooth the sides and ensure the silhouette is sharp. Swap the cotton accessory for one made of silk, satin, or one embellished with pearls, crystals, or metallic threads. An embellished scrunchie acts like jewelry for the hair. When caught in low light, a rhinestone-studded scrunchie wrapped around a sleek beehive offers a stunning sparkle that rivals any pair of earrings.

Expert Tips for Longevity and Volume

Creating the style is one thing; making it last is another. Here are professional tips to ensure your scrunchie-adorned beehive withstands the test of time.

• Texture is Key: Scrunchies can slip on freshly washed, soft hair. It is best to attempt this style on second or third-day hair. If your hair is clean, use a dry texturizing spray or dry shampoo to add grit before styling.

• The Anchor Pin: Even tight scrunchies can slide down a sleek beehive. To prevent this, slide a bobby pin through the fabric of the scrunchie and pin it securely into the hair underneath. Do this on the left and right sides to lock the accessory in place.

• Double Up: If you have very thick hair, a single scrunchie might not be enough to hold the weight of the ponytail or bun. Use a clear, heavy-duty elastic to secure the hair structure first, and then place the scrunchie over it purely as decoration. This ensures structural integrity without relying on the scrunchie for hold.

• Hairspray the Accessory: If you are using a fabric like satin that is prone to slipping, you can lightly mist the inner elastic of the scrunchie with hairspray before putting it on. This creates a tacky surface that grips the hair better.

FAQ: Common Questions About Scrunchies and Beehives

Q: Can I accessorize a beehive with scrunchies if I have short hair? A: Absolutely. If you have a bob, you can create a "half-up" beehive. Tease the crown volume and secure the top half of your hair with a mini or standard-sized scrunchie. The bottom half can hang loose. If your hair is very short, you can use clip-in extensions or a hairpiece to create the bun portion, disguising the connection point with a fluffy scrunchie.

Q: Will oversized scrunchies cause traction alopecia? A: Generally, no. One of the main benefits of scrunchies is that the fabric layer protects the hair from the tension of the elastic. However, you should avoid pulling any hairstyle too tight. The beehive relies on volume (teasing) rather than tension, so it is actually a safer style for the hairline than a sleek, tight ponytail.

Q: How do I clean my scrunchies after using styling products? A: Since beehives often require hairspray and powder, your scrunchie will eventually need cleaning. Silk and velvet should be hand-washed with a gentle detergent and laid flat to dry. Cotton and synthetic blends can usually be machine washed in a mesh laundry bag on a delicate cycle.

Q: Does a scrunchie make a beehive look too childish? A: It depends on the execution. A neon, small scrunchie might look juvenile. However, using high-quality fabrics like silk, leather, or velvet in sophisticated colors (burgundy, emerald, black, champagne) elevates the look to high fashion. The key is volume—the bigger the hair and the scrunchie, the more editorial and adult the style looks.

Q: Can I wear a veil or other accessories with the scrunchie? A: Yes! This is a popular bridal trend. A white silk scrunchie can be placed around the base of a bridal beehive, and a veil can be pinned underneath it. You can also add decorative hair pins or slides into the side of the beehive for added sparkle, keeping the scrunchie at the back.

Conclusion

Learning how to accessorize your beehive with scrunchies opens up a world of styling possibilities that bridge the gap between vintage glamour and modern comfort. This combination allows for a high-impact look that protects your hair and expresses your personal style. Whether you opt for the casual charm of a linen scrunchie for a weekend outing or the opulence of a velvet accessory for a formal affair, the principles remain the same: build a strong foundation, choose the right scale, and wear it with confidence. The beehive is no longer a relic of the past; with the simple addition of a scrunchie, it becomes a timeless, adaptable style for the modern individual.