The iconic beehive hairdo of the 1960s wasn't just a ubiquitous hairstyle; it was a symbol of an era, a testament to the creativity and sculptural skill of hairstylists during the decades'-bold fashion scene. However, when we talk about what was inside this voluminous hairstyle, we're not referring to a literal beehive. Instead, we're delving into the techniques, tools, and style elements that went into constructing this feathered masterpiece.
The beehive hairdo received its name from its striking resemblance to the honeycombed home of bees. It was characterized by its rounded, upside-down bowl shape that rose high above the head, often resting perilously on the crown. But what exactly went into creating and maintaining this architectural hairstyle?
Building Blocks of the Beehive
The foundation of a beehive rested on a combination of the natural hair texture, hair length, and the skill of the hairstylist. Ideally, the style worked best on longer, thick hair, as it provided ample material to create the desired volume. However, thanks to the hair extension industry's burgeoning growth in the '60s, even women with shorter hair could sport the style.
The heart of the beehive lay in the backcomb, a technique that involved combing the hair from the roots upwards to create maximum volume. Once backcombed, the hair was then teased, rolled, and pinned into the desired shape at the nape of the neck and crown. The operation required precision and meticulous planning: one false move could send the entire structure crashing down.
The Role of Hairspray
No beehive could stand tall without generous assistance from hairspray. The invention of aerosol hairspray in the 1940s revolutionized hairstyling, providing a quick and easy way to freeze hair into place. For a beehive, hairspray wasn't just a nice-to-have; it was a necessity. It provided the structural integrity, holding each delicate hair strand in place, creating a stiff, uniformed surface.
Hairspray also played a pivotal role in sealing in the styles' shape. Stylists would generously mist the styled hair, then leave it to set for an hour or two before gently tapping the hairsprayed areas with a comb or pinning them into place. After the hair had set, stylists would give the beehive a final blast of hairspray to ensure it stayed in place throughout the day.
The Art of Rolled Bangs
Another key component of the beehive was the rolled bangs. Bangs were often rolled away from the forehead and positioned heavily on either side of the face. This technique not only added to the overall height of the hairstyle but also softened the look, balancing the bold, vertical lines of the beehive.
Rollers were a vital tool in achieving this effect. They were available in various sizes, but for a beehive, larger-sized rollers were preferable to create that bouncing, twin-sets-worthy volume. After the hair was rolled, it was set in place with hairpins and allowed to dry - sometimes with the help of a hooded hairdryer - before the final styling.
Accessories and Variations
Like any popular hairstyle, the beehive wasn't immune to variation. Snoods, tiaras, and headscarves were popular accessories, often worn to complement or disguise the style. Similarly, the beehive could be dressed up or down, depending on the occasion, ranging from the casual, everyday look to the elegant, even regal, styles sported by celebrities like Jackie Kennedy.
The beehive also lent itself to various cultural interpretations. Take the 'Afro Beehive', popularized by fila star Cloris Leachman, which added a modern twist to the classic beehive - proof that the hairdo could adapt to different faces, cultures, and socio-political climates.
The Beehive's Lasting Legacy
The Beehive was more than just an interesting hairstyle; it became a cultural phenomenon. Its bold silhouette and unapologetic volume became synonymous with the decade, a testament to the nomadic, experimental spirit of the '60s. Despite falling out of fashion in the following decades, the beehive periodically resurfaces in various guises, a demonstration of its lasting legacy in the world of hair styling.
Today, the tools and techniques innovated during the beehive's reign continue to influence hairstyling. The art of backcombing, hairspray, and voluminous shaping remains at the heart of many modern updos. Moreover, the beehive's spirit lives on in bold, unconventional styles that challenge conventional notions of beauty, proving that a height-embracing, decoration-defying 'do can still set the world abuzz.