The beehive is pure backcombed volume: hair teased at the crown, smoothed over and pinned into a high dome. This gallery shows how flexible that idea is. Alongside the faithful sixties shapes, including a tall French twist beehive and a smooth version with a sculpted side bang and silver bow, there are pin curl and swirl beehives, crimped and braided variations, low chignon and ponytail versions, half-up beehives with waves or flipped ends and a few bold coloured looks in pink, lavender and green.
Medium to long hair with some natural grip is easiest to tease, but fine hair actually holds backcombing well once it has texture spray in it. Very slippery or freshly washed hair needs extra prep. Short, bob-length hair can still manage a half beehive at the crown, as two of the looks here show.
Face shape matters for height. A tall beehive lengthens the face, so it flatters round and square shapes; long faces suit a lower, wider dome or a half-up style with side-swept bangs.
1. Smooth Beehive with Side Bow
Smooth and polished, this sixties-inspired beehive recalls the decade that made the style famous. A sculpted side bang sweeps across the forehead, and a pretty silver bow sits low at the back, placed slightly off to one side for a feminine finish.
Inspiration: @Instagram
2. Crimped and Twisted Beehive
Crimped texture and twisted sections prove that a beehive does not need to look dated or predictable. The fresh details make it appealing to younger wearers, while the classic dome keeps it elegant enough for women of any age.
Inspiration: @Instagram
3. Lavender Beehive Bun with Flowers
Candy pink colour, soft chunky bangs and a twisted chignon at the nape make this floral beehive incredibly pretty. Colourful flowers arranged on top form a festive crown, perfect for a romantic evening out. Small pins keep the flowers secure.
Inspiration: @diablorose
4. Pin Curl Beehive
Two retro styles combine in this red pin curl beehive. The familiar dome shape continues until the back, where several pin curls are arranged neatly, and short, tightly curled bangs complete the vintage look. Set the curls overnight for best hold.
Inspiration: @diablorose
5. Half Up, Half Down Beehive
Love the beehive but not ready to commit to a full updo? Shape only the top half into a dome and leave the rest down in soft curls. Deep side-swept bangs add a graceful finish to this half-up version.
Inspiration: @Instagram
6. Low Ponytail Beehive
Simplicity is the appeal of a low ponytail beehive. It is chic enough for the office and casual outings, with gently curled ends and side-swept bangs keeping it effortless. It also makes a good base for a statement hair accessory.
Inspiration: @Instagram
7. Swirl Beehive
Instead of tucking the ends away, this beehive finishes in an open swirl that plays with shape and tricks the eye. It shows how much creativity can go into variations on a classic updo. Pin the swirl from underneath.
Inspiration: @Instagram
8. Braided Partial Beehive
Tightly braided sides twist together to form the base of the top-half beehive in this edgy, rock-inspired look. The lower lengths are straightened, keeping all the attention on the big bouffant. Secure the braids with clear elastics.
Inspiration: @Instagram
9. Messy Beehive with Side-Swept Face Framing
Messy texture and a side-swept fringe bring the beehive firmly into the present. The slightly undone shape looks editorial, and an embellished headband adds a feminine, festive touch. Tease the crown loosely and pull a few strands free for that relaxed, undone finish.
Inspiration: @Instagram
10. Extreme Green Beehive
Everything about this beehive is extreme, from the pastel green colour to the accessories. A tall dome is surrounded by big pin curls and a wide bang, with pieces of black netting as a final accent. Only for the bold.
Inspiration: @Instagram
11. Low Chignon Beehive
Retro and modern at once, this beehive is smoothed to perfection and finished with a low chignon at the nape. It is elegant enough for a wedding ceremony and looks beautiful from every angle. Smooth flyaways with a little serum.
Inspiration: @Instagram
12. Half Up Beehive for Wavy Hair
Long flowing waves at the back add texture to this half-up beehive. A high crown and straight bangs draw attention to the eyes, making it a romantic option for long hair. Use a large curling iron for the waves.
Inspiration: @diablorose
13. Braided Bun Beehive
Braids and a bun join forces with a beehive here. Braids start along the sides and wrap around the base of a low bun, while a neat crown and soft side bangs complete the look on platinum hair.
Inspiration: @bysophiak
14. Wispy Red Beehive
Wispy, softly waved strands escape around the sides, crown and nape of this red beehive, giving it a windswept, dreamy finish. It is a relaxed, less sculpted take for casual wear. Use texture spray before teasing the crown.
Inspiration: @Instagram
15. Honey Blonde Beehive with a Headband
Varied honey blonde highlights and a jewelled headband are the highlights of this side-swept beehive. The larger section forms the dome, the bangs are pinned aside and loose curls fall gracefully beneath. Pin the bangs with matching pins.
Inspiration: @Instagram
16. Partial Beehive with a Side Braid
Braided sides meet at the centre in a messy knot beneath a small, low-volume beehive set right at the crown. Soft waves and a pearl blonde shade give it a gentle, romantic feel. A texturiser helps the knot hold.
Inspiration: @Instagram
17. Beehive for Short Hair
Short hair can rock a beehive too; all it takes is plenty of teasing and hairspray. Here, bob-length hair forms a dome at the crown while the lower lengths are straightened to show off the blunt cut.
Inspiration: @Instagram
18. Beehive with Flipped Ends
Flipped ends and a wispy side bang make this short beehive a little dressier. Bob-length hair is teased into a dome at the crown, and the outward flip adds a playful retro touch. Use a flat iron to flip the ends.
Inspiration: @Instagram
19. Tall French Twist Beehive
Faithfully retro, this tall French twist beehive looks much like the styles worn in the sixties. It is a bold choice for modern wear, but perfect for themed events or anyone who loves full vintage glamour.
Inspiration: @Instagram
20. Curly Beehive
Golden blonde curls form a massive, voluminous crown on this beehive. The back is twisted up neatly so the curls stay the centre of attention. Set the hair on rollers first, then tease the crown and pin the curls loosely so they stay soft and bouncy.
Inspiration: @Instagram
Building a beehive that holds
- Start with second-day hair or spray a texturiser through clean hair and let it dry.
- Section off the front hairline and set it aside; this becomes the smooth top layer.
- Tease the crown in horizontal sections, pushing the comb toward the root two or three times per section.
- Shape the teased hair into a dome with your hands, then gently smooth the front section over it with a soft brush.
- Pin underneath with crossed bobby pins and finish with a firm-hold hairspray.
Removing backcombing without breakage
Never brush a beehive out dry. Take the pins out, apply a generous amount of conditioner or detangling spray, and work through the knots from the ends upward with a wide-tooth comb. A hair padding cushion or bun donut under the crown gives height with far less teasing, which is a kinder option if you wear the style often.