When first tasked with recreating the bodacious beehive hairdo from our latest stylebook, Summer in Focus, I was naive enough to think it would be a breeze! How much different could it be than creating a classic bouffant? Well, I got my answer. I could tease my hair all day and use all the hairspray in the world, and still not replicate the impressive structural integrity of the ‘hive rocked by model Alex in Summer in Focus. I would have to employ that old stand by, the hair rat (or in my case, just another pair of pantyhose).
After a few starts and stops, and plenty of advice from our photographer, Mindi, I present to you a beehive how-to. However, I’m not going to pretend this is easy — perfecting your beehive takes plenty of patience and practice, but if you’re looking to add a little retro beauty to your routine, the beehive is where it’s at!
A Very Vintage Beehive
What You’ll Need:
Tights or hose in a color to match your hair
Dry shampoo
A clear hair elastic
Hairspray
Bobbi pins
A hair clip
Smoothing cream
A teasing comb
Optional:
A flat iron to smooth your bangs
A retro-perfect dress, like the Picnic Table for Two Dress
1. Separate the top portion of your hair and, using your hair clip, clip it atop your head, out of the way. Gather the loose portion into a low ponytail, securing with a clear elastic.
2. Twist the ponytail up into itself, as if making a french twist. Secure the twist in place with bobby-pins.
3. Release the clipped portion of hair and, keeping the front section separate, use your comb to tease it. Spray liberally with hairspray.
4. Next, roll the hose into a compact ball and place behind the teased portion of your hair.
5. Roll the teased hair over the hose to cover, tuck the ends beneath the hose and pin into place.
6. Keeping your bangs separate, wrap any additional hair around the bump you’ve created, pinning and spraying with hairspray as you go.
7. Next, take your bangs, spray with hairspray, and smooth over the bump, using your comb to smooth and straighten over the ‘hive. Tuck the ends, and pin into place.
8. Using your smoothing cream, smooth fly-aways and wrap any loose strands around your finished beehive. Spray generously with hairspray.
Don a retro dress, and you’re good to go! This style takes some work, but a beehive is perfect for a vintage-inspired special occasion!
If I had long hair, I would definitely use this!!
So pretty!! I love beehive hairstyles! Thanks!
I love this! Very pretty. 🙂
I am going to have to try this out sometime in the near future. Thanks for sharing!
The pictures are really helpful but I wish there was a few more of the back view without her hands in the way.