The Beehive Hairstyle

Here's an in-depth explanation of the beehive hairstyle, including its history, characteristics, styling techniques, and its influence on popular culture.

The beehive hairstyle is an iconic and distinctive updo that gained popularity in the 1960s. It is characterized by its voluminous, high-rise shape, resembling the look of a beehive or hive, hence its name. The beehive is known for its dramatic height and sculptural structure, creating a bold and glamorous statement.

The origins of the beehive hairstyle can be traced back to the mid-20th century. It was created by hairstylist Margaret Vinci Heldt in 1960, who was inspired by a velvet fez hat she owned. The unique shape of the hat sparked her creativity, leading her to create a hairstyle that mimicked its height and rounded silhouette. Margaret's innovative hairstyle quickly gained popularity and became a symbol of the fashionable and daring spirit of the 1960s.

The beehive is characterized by its key features:

1. Height: The most notable feature of the beehive is its impressive height. The hair is piled high on top of the head, creating a towering structure that stands out.

2. Volume: The beehive is all about volume. The hair is teased, backcombed, and styled to create a full and voluminous look, giving the hairstyle its signature shape.

3. Shape: The beehive has a distinct rounded shape, often resembling a dome or cone. It is achieved by backcombing the hair and shaping it with the help of pins, hair padding, or even small ratting combs.

4. Smooth Sides: While the top of the beehive is voluminous, the sides are typically sleek and smooth, creating a contrast that adds to the hairstyle's .

Styling the beehive requires some skill and technique. Here's a general overview of the process:

1. Preparing the Hair: Start with clean, dry hair. Apply a volumizing mousse or spray to add texture and hold to your hair. This helps create the necessary foundation for the beehive.

2. Teasing and Backcombing: Divide your hair into sections. Starting at the crown, take small sections of hair and tease them by backcombing with a fine-toothed comb. Gently comb the hair downward toward the scalp in short strokes to create volume and texture. Continue teasing and backcombing section by section, working your way from the crown to the front and sides of the head.

3. Shaping the Beehive: Once the hair is teased, use a brush to smooth the top layer of the hair, gently brushing over the teased sections to conceal the backcombing. This creates a polished appearance while maintaining the volume. Gather the hair at the crown, and begin shaping it into a rounded mound or cone, securing it with bobby pins as you go.

4. Securing and Finishing: Once the beehive is shaped and secured with pins, use a strong-hold hairspray to set the style and tame any flyaways. Smooth the sides of your hair and pin them behind the ears or tuck them into the beehive for a sleek finish.

5. Accessories and Personalization: You can personalize your beehive with various accessories such as decorative hairpins, headbands, or scarves. These additions can enhance the style and add a touch of individuality.

Maintaining the beehive hairstyle requires some care and attention. Here are a few tips to keep your beehive looking its best:

1. Sleep with Care: To preserve your beehive overnight, consider wrapping your hair in a silk or satin scarf or using a silk or satin pillowcase to minimize friction and prevent flattening of the hairstyle. You can also create a loose bun or use hairpins to secure the beehive in place before sleeping.

2. Touch-ups: Throughout the day, you may need to make minor touch-ups to maintain the height and shape of your beehive. Carry a small comb, bobby pins, and a travel-size hairspray in your purse for quick fixes. Gently tease and backcomb any flattened areas, smooth the top layer, and secure with pins or a spritz of hairspray as needed.

3. Avoid Humidity: Humidity can cause the beehive to lose its shape and volume. If you live in a humid climate, consider using anti-humidity hairspray or products specifically designed to combat frizz. These products can help preserve the integrity of your beehive despite the moisture in the air.

4. Regular Upkeep: Depending on your hair type and how well your beehive holds its shape, you may need to redo the hairstyle entirely every few days or as necessary. This involves re-teasing, reshaping, and restyling the beehive to maintain its height and volume.

5. Protect Your Hair: The process of backcombing and teasing can put some stress on your hair. To minimize damage, be gentle when teasing and avoid excessive force or pulling. Use a wide-toothed comb or a brush with natural bristles to detangle your hair before styling. Additionally, incorporate regular deep conditioning treatments to keep your hair healthy and nourished.

The beehive hairstyle has left a significant impact on popular culture and has been embraced by various celebrities and style icons. It became a symbol of the Swinging Sixties, representing the boldness, innovation, and free-spirited attitude of the era. Celebrities like Audrey Hepburn, Brigitte Bardot, and Dusty Springfield popularized the beehive, making it a go-to hairstyle for formal events and performances.

The beehive continues to influence modern hairstyling. Its timeless appeal and versatility have led to adaptations and variations in contemporary updo styles. Stylists often incorporate elements of the beehive into modern interpretations, adapting the height, volume, and overall shape to suit current trends and personal preferences.

Whether worn for a special occasion, a retro-inspired look, or as a fashion statement, the beehive remains an iconic and eye-catching hairstyle that showcases creativity and individuality. Its ability to instantly transform a look and exude confidence and has secured its place in hairstyling history.

In conclusion, the beehive hairstyle is a classic updo characterized by its voluminous height and rounded shape. With the right techniques and styling products, you can create this iconic hairstyle that harks back to the fashion-forward era of the 1960s. By maintaining and caring for your beehive, you can enjoy its glamorous and timeless appeal, making a bold statement wherever you go.