Some haircuts are just there, and then there are ones that actually change your appearance. The brush-up hairstyle is one of those haircuts which is in the second category. Each person doesn’t necessarily wear it the same way, but it as if it always has this liveliness or vibe. A little crazy. A little fashioned. In comparison to a fade, a crew cut, or a slick back, it is not as smooth but has more of a textured look. Neither too shiny nor too shabby.
Trying to explain to your barber what you want if you have ever been in front of one would probably make you know how difficult it is. “Something that is easy to style but isn’t boring.” Usually, that’s when hairstyles like the brush-up come in. However, how does it compare to the typical men’s haircuts that you see on the streets or on Instagram?
What Really Is a Brush Up Hairstyle?
It is almost exactly as the name suggests: hair brushed upward and backward, not slicked down. The top has volume, and the sides are usually shorter but not always tightly faded—think of it as a mix between spiky hair and a modern quiff, much like hairstyles for diamond face shape male that balance structure with style.
It doesn’t lose its attraction if the symmetry isn’t perfect. That’s just a part of its magic. Hair is being lifted with a styling product, getting blown up with a blow dryer, and gettin a little natural-lived-in texture.
Brush Up Hairstyle vs. The Classic Fade
The fade has become very popular and can be seen everywhere. Low fade, high fade, taper fade-everything works like clockwork. Clean, sharp, and barber-dependent.
The brush up is not as reliant on the sharpness of the edges, as is most the case with fades. It is more of a ‘do-it-yourself’ thing at home after the haircut.
Brush Up vs. Crew Cut
The crew cut is a haircut from the navy, tidy, low, simple. A brush up wouldn’t downplay that much, it would just joke. It requires the lenght to be one the top and it feds off the flaw.
The crew cut is for a fellow who styles himself never. Brush up is for the guy who needs 5 minutes and the mirror before going out.
Brush Up vs. Pompadour
Pompadours come off as over-the-top. A lot of product, sleek look, extreme glossy. Brush up takes the vertical stand without the neatness.
There’s no Elvis vibe here, only something more modern. If pompadour is Saturday night, brush is Saturday afternoon.
Styling a Brush Up Hairstyle
You don’t need the skills of a salon to get the look. You just need a hair dryer, a matte product, and your fingers.
Blow up the hair, dry it, seal the look in with clay or paste and let some of the strands fall naturally. It’s not about the perfect, it is about the controlled chaos.
Tools that help
- Blow dryer with a nozzle
- Matte paste or clay
- Comb (optional, but fingers work better)
Who Does It Suit Best?
Face shape is one of the factors it depends on. Round faces get good results as the vertical lift elongates them. People with square jaws get sharper looks with the volume on top. Those who have a slightly receding hairline and beard can wear this look as the upward style will make the texture stand out rather than the hairline.
However, these are not the only things to consider—lifestyle matters too. If you’re not keen on daily product application, a fade or buzz cut might be better, while styles like the textured crop work well for those who enjoy a bit more styling.
Brush Up Hairstyle vs. Slick Back
The slick back is more controlled, more suitable for formal occasions, and product-oriented. The brush up is just like its laid-back relative. The general concept of pushing the hair back is still there, but with less shine, more air, and more movement.
Everyday Wearability
Brush up is not only for partying at night. It can be an outfit for the office, the gym, or a casual date. The only problem? It can be spoiled by humidity and wind. Unlike a crew cut that just holds tight, the brush up is still in motion. Nevertheless, this is also its quality.
Final Thoughts
The brush up hairstyle is not for everyone but the sure thing is that it is not attempting to be. If you are that person who loves haircuts allowing the usage of texture, keeping things at the casual level but not going sloppy with it, then it is worth your time to try it at least once. Some days it will be a disaster, and other days it will be artists’ pick only. That’s the charm of it.
FAQs
1. Is brush up hairstyle easy to maintain?
It does require a cut every 3 to 4 weeks, plus daily styling with product and a dryer. So it’s not the lowest maintenance of all hairstyles, but it is not the hardest one either.
2. Can brush up hairstyle work on thin hair?
Certainly, mainly if you use volumizing powder or mousse. The upward lifting gives a visual of thickening.
3. How do you ask a barber for a brush up hairstyle?
Describe that you want the top to be long (3 to 5 inches), the sides to be shorter (not shaved), and that there should be enough texture to get volume. Also, show a picture of the hairstyle you like, as it is a big help.
4. Is brush up hairstyle professional for work?
Definitely. You should keep your sides clean and use a matte product for a non-glossy finish. It gives a clean look but at the same time, it is not too much.
5. What is the difference between brush up and spiky hair?
Spiky hair is made up of stiff spikes that are created by applying gel, whereas brush up is more natural, has more volume and is styled backward with the help of a blow dryer.
Roy Anderson brings a deep love for hair care and styling products, offering practical advice on keeping your hair in top shape every day. He reviews popular and underrated hair products to guide readers toward the best choices. Roy also shares home care routines to promote strong, healthy hair.