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The beehive hairstyle has remained an enduring symbol of vintage elegance, capturing the essence of 1960s hair trends with its voluminous height and structured silhouette. From Hollywood starlets to rockabilly icons, this iconic look has graced red carpets, music stages, and fashion runways.
Whether sleek and polished or tousled with a rebellious edge, classic beehive hairstyles continue to inspire modern interpretations while staying true to their retro roots.
I still remember my grandmother flipping through her old photo albums, pointing to pictures of herself in a perfectly sculpted beehive updo at a 1965 dinner party. “It took an entire can of hairspray,” she laughed, recalling the hours spent teasing and shaping her hair to perfection. That memory stuck with me, and now, every time
1. The Mod Beehive
The mod beehive hairstyle was a staple of the 1960s, often worn by fashion-forward women who embraced the sleek and polished look. This version features a tall, sculpted beehive with smooth, glossy hair and minimal flyaways, paired with a bold mini dress and statement accessories.
- Tall and structured with a smooth, polished finish
- Best paired with mod fashion, including geometric prints and bold colors
- Perfect for achieving a refined yet youthful look
2. Hollywood Glamour Beehive
A favorite among 1950s and 1960s movie stars, the Hollywood beehive exudes luxury and sophistication. This hairstyle incorporates soft curls cascading down from the base of the beehive, creating a balanced and elegant silhouette.
- Ideal for formal events and red carpet-worthy moments
- Often styled with long gloves and satin evening gowns
- Works well with soft curls framing the face for added glamour
3. Rockabilly Beehive with Headscarf
The rockabilly beehive brings a fun, playful edge to the classic updo. Teased for extra height and wrapped with a patterned headscarf, this style embodies the rebellious spirit of 1950s and 1960s rock ‘n’ roll culture.
- Features a high, voluminous beehive with a scarf tied in a bow
- Works well with retro outfits, like polka-dot dresses and cat-eye glasses
- Adds a bold and energetic twist to vintage fashion
4. Soul Singer Beehive
Inspired by legendary soul divas, this classic beehive hairstyle makes a powerful statement. Styled with immense height and a slight wave, it was a signature look for performers who captivated audiences with both their voice and style.
- Often combined with shimmering, floor-length gowns for stage presence
- Best suited for those who love bold, voluminous hairstyles
- A go-to style for vintage-inspired music and entertainment events
5. Parisian Chic Beehive
The Parisian beehive hairstyle embodies effortless elegance with its refined yet understated look. Worn by stylish French women in the 1960s, it pairs perfectly with a minimalist wardrobe, oversized sunglasses, and a classic red lip.
- Softly structured with a natural, undone appeal
- Complements sleek black outfits and timeless accessories
- Great for adding an air of effortless glamour to any occasion
6. 1960s Bridal Beehive
Brides of the 1960s embraced the beehive wedding hairstyle, often topping it with a delicate lace-trimmed veil. This timeless look remains a favorite for vintage-inspired wedding themes.
- Features a smooth, rounded beehive with a subtle veil attachment
- Pairs beautifully with lace wedding gowns and pearl accessories
- Perfect for vintage weddings with a classic, romantic feel
7. Disco-Inspired Loose Beehive
The 1970s beehive took on a more relaxed, free-flowing appearance, especially in the disco scene. Instead of being tightly sculpted, this version allowed for soft, natural movement while maintaining volume at the crown.
- Combines a beehive structure with cascading waves
- Works well with sequined outfits and dramatic makeup
- A perfect choice for those who love the balance of vintage and modern flair
8. Sophisticated Cocktail Party Beehive
The cocktail beehive hairstyle was a staple of high-society gatherings in the 1960s. Sleek and polished, this look exudes elegance and refinement, making it ideal for evening events.
- Styled with a perfectly sculpted crown and minimal flyaways
- Often accessorized with jeweled hair combs or pearl pins
- Best worn with a fitted sheath dress for a complete retro look
9. Softly Curled Beehive with Headband
A more feminine take on the beehive updo, this variation incorporates soft curls and a delicate headband for a touch of vintage sweetness. It was especially popular among younger women in the 1960s.
- Features a gently structured beehive with curled ends
- A headband adds a playful and youthful charm
- Ideal for daytime events, garden parties, or casual retro looks
10. 1960s Air Stewardess Beehive
The air stewardess beehive hairstyle was a signature look of flight attendants during the golden age of travel. Neatly styled and perfectly set, this hairstyle complemented the polished and professional uniforms of the time.
- Sleek and well-formed, ensuring a tidy appearance
- Matches the structured, refined look of vintage airline uniforms
- A great style for those who love polished, professional retro aesthetics
11. Rebel Punk Beehive
A rebellious take on the beehive, this punk-inspired variation features a messy, teased-up crown with edgy elements like streaks of bold color or rough textures. This style blends vintage volume with a modern, fearless attitude.
- Often paired with dark eyeliner and bold lipstick for a dramatic effect
- Works well with leather jackets and punk-inspired fashion
- A perfect fusion of 1960s beehive styles and punk rock rebellion
12. Southern Belle Beehive
The Southern belle beehive hairstyle is a refined yet voluminous look often seen at grand events and social gatherings. This version emphasizes soft curls at the base, giving it a touch of romance.
- Styled with a high, rounded beehive and elegant curls
- Pairs beautifully with floral tea dresses and pearl accessories
- A timeless choice for vintage-themed parties and formal occasions
13. Beauty Queen Beehive
Beauty pageants of the 1960s often featured contestants with towering beehive updos, enhanced by sparkling tiaras and dramatic eye makeup. This hairstyle remains a classic choice for anyone wanting a touch of vintage glamour.
- Features a structured, polished beehive with a voluminous crown
- Often worn with a satin sash, evening gown, and rhinestone earrings
- A go-to hairstyle for those embracing retro pageant beauty
14. New York Fashionista Beehive
This ultra-polished 1960s beehive was a staple for New York’s high-fashion elite. Worn with structured coats and sleek dresses, it embodied the sophisticated, urban-chic aesthetic of the decade.
- Perfectly smooth and glossy with no loose strands
- Best paired with oversized sunglasses and high-fashion accessories
- Ideal for city-inspired vintage fashion lovers
15. Motown Beehive
A defining look for Motown singers and African-American style icons, this natural-textured beehive embraced volume and height with a bold, empowered look.
- Works beautifully with natural, textured hair
- Often styled with bold eyeliner and statement earrings
- A perfect homage to legendary soul and jazz performers
16. Secretary Beehive
The 1960s working woman had a neat and refined beehive hairstyle that was both professional and stylish. This version was sleek, controlled, and easy to maintain throughout a busy workday.
- Features a structured, well-combed beehive with no stray hairs
- Often worn with pencil skirts, blouses, and vintage eyeglasses
- A refined look that brings back mid-century office fashion
17. Girl Group Beehive
Pop stars and girl groups of the 1960s rocked matching beehive hairstyles, each with a slightly different twist to express individuality while keeping the group’s aesthetic cohesive.
- Features coordinated high beehives with subtle differences in styling
- Works well with matching sequin dresses and synchronized poses
- A nostalgic nod to the golden era of girl groups and pop music
18. Red Carpet Beehive
A timeless Hollywood beehive updo, this version is glossy, sculpted, and styled with soft waves to add movement and drama. It’s a go-to for high-profile events.
- Best paired with floor-length gowns and dramatic makeup
- Styled with a balance of structure and soft waves for elegance
- A perfect pick for vintage-inspired red carpet looks
19. Garden Party Beehive
A softer, more relaxed take on the beehive, this variation includes gentle waves and floral accents, making it an ideal choice for outdoor events and summer parties.
- Features a less rigid structure with natural movement
- Looks beautiful with floral prints and pastel-colored outfits
- A charming choice for vintage lovers who enjoy a romantic, effortless style
20. Burlesque Beehive
The burlesque beehive hairstyle brings drama and theatrical flair with extra volume, curled ends, and dazzling accessories like feathers or jeweled combs.
- Works well with bold winged eyeliner and red lips
- Often paired with corset dresses, gloves, and glamorous stage outfits
- A perfect blend of classic pin-up and vintage burlesque style
21. Modern Minimalist Beehive
While the classic beehive hairstyle is rooted in vintage fashion, modern adaptations feature a sleeker, low-profile version that blends 1960s inspiration with contemporary aesthetics.
- Features a subtler, smaller beehive with smooth edges
- Looks chic with minimalist fashion, high-neck tops, and structured blazers
- A great way to wear a retro style with a modern, understated twist
