Amy Winehouse was more than just a singer; she was a style icon. Her beehive hairstyle became one of the most recognizable and imitated looks in pop culture. This voluminous, retro-inspired hairdo oozes confidence, drama, and vintage glam. Whether you’re preparing for a themed event, a night out, or simply want to channel Amy’s effortless edge, this guide will take you through the process of achieving her signature beehive hairstyle.
What You’ll Need
Before you begin, make sure you have all the necessary tools and products:
- Fine-tooth comb – for precise sectioning and teasing
- Wide-tooth comb or paddle brush – for smoothing
- Bobby pins – to secure the beehive in place
- Strong-hold hairspray – for volume and longevity
- Dry shampoo or texturizing spray – for extra grip and fullness
- Hair elastics – to tie sections of hair
- Hair padding or a hair rat (optional) – for additional volume
- Curling iron or hot rollers – for soft waves (optional)
- Headband or scarf (optional) – for added retro charm
Step 1: Prep Your Hair
Amy’s beehive relies on height and texture. If your hair is freshly washed, it may be too soft to hold the style. For best results, start with hair that hasn’t been washed for a day or two.
- Apply dry shampoo or texturizing spray to add grip.
- Use a curling iron or hot rollers to create soft waves if you want extra volume at the ends.
- Gently brush through the waves to soften them.
Step 2: Section and Tease
Teasing (also called backcombing) is the secret to achieving that sky-high beehive.
- Create a Section: Divide your hair into three sections: front (your bangs or face-framing pieces), crown (the top portion of your head), and back (the remaining hair).
- Tease the Crown: Take 1-inch sections from the crown, hold each section upright, and backcomb it using a fine-tooth comb.
- Set with Hairspray: After teasing each section, lightly mist with hairspray to maintain volume.
- Repeat Until You Achieve the Height You Want: The more you tease, the higher your beehive will be.
Step 3: Shape the Beehive
Now that you have volume, it’s time to shape your beehive.
- Smooth the Surface: Use a wide-tooth comb or a paddle brush to gently smooth the outer layer without flattening the teased volume.
- Create the Bump: Gather the teased section and gently push it forward to create a rounded bump.
- Secure with Bobby Pins: Pin the backcombed section into place at the crown using crisscrossed bobby pins.
- Use Hair Padding (Optional): If your natural volume isn’t enough, place a small hair rat or hair padding underneath the crown section before pinning it in place.
Step 4: Style the Remaining Hair
Once the beehive is secure, decide how you want to style the rest of your hair.
- Loose and Flowing: Leave the remaining hair down for a more relaxed look.
- Half-Up, Half-Down: Pin back only the crown section and let the lower part cascade naturally.
- Full Updo: Gather the loose hair into a French twist or a low bun.
- Curled Ends: Add soft curls to the ends for a glamorous effect.
Step 5: Perfect the Look
- Tame Flyaways: Use a tiny bit of hair wax or pomade to smooth any frizz.
- Spray Generously: Finish with a strong-hold hairspray to lock everything in place.
- Add Accessories: For the full Amy Winehouse aesthetic, add a bandana or a statement headband.
Tips for Achieving the Best Amy Winehouse Hairstyle
- Bigger is Better: Don’t be afraid to tease excessively; the drama is key.
- Layer Your Hairspray: A light mist between steps ensures longevity.
- Experiment with Hair Extensions: If your hair is short or lacks thickness, extensions can provide extra volume.
- Practice Makes Perfect: Beehives take time to master, so don’t get discouraged.
Final Thoughts
Amy Winehouse’s beehive hairstyle is an iconic look that exudes confidence and vintage flair. Whether you’re paying tribute to the late singer, channeling retro vibes, or simply experimenting with bold hairstyles, mastering the beehive will always turn heads. Grab your teasing comb, hairspray, and bobby pins—it’s time to go big or go home!
