Several hairstyles clearly mirror the fashion of that decade. However, brush up hairstyle does not rank among them. It has been prevalent for quite a long time one way or another and it doesn’t really disappear. Men adore it for the reason that it gives a contemporary vibe without going over the top. In addition, women can’t resist noticing it since it brings an edge to the appearance without being too harsh or unnatural.
Most likely, this haircut you’ve probably encountered it countless times and still didn’t realize it. For instance, a person with such a hairstyle is enough for you to spot simply by strolling through a college campus, a tech office, or even a wedding party. Absolutely, the outfit of the day is not a big deal for this hairstyle. It works fine with a suit, streetwear, and even just a regular T-shirt. Precisely, that quality is what keeps it from fading out.
What is the Brush Up Hairstyle?
The idea of the hairstyle is essentially the goal to get the hair pushed upward and a little bit backward. It is not something flat as a crew cut. It is not slicked as a pompadour.
In addition, it is absolutely not as shaggy as a messy bedhead. Think of it as a compromise—extravagant on top, neat enough to look styled, yet loose enough to avoid formality, much like the taper faux hawk back style.
Why It Works for Different Face Shapes
Certain hairstyles are designed to work well with particular facial shapes only. This one happens to be less restrictive for you.
- Round face – The addition of height with a brush up style will elongate the face, thus balancing out the roundness of the face.
- Square face – The softening effect of the edges that comes from the upward motion along with the encapsulation of color rather than just the jawline, makes so much sense in here.
- Oval face – Frankly here, the most cuts are OK, but a brush up gives the coolness that complements the symmetry.
- Long face – The neatness of the face is still there but keeping the height moderate stops the length from being exaggerated.
The secret is not only in the styling but also in the type you choose.
How to Style the Brush Up Hairstyle
Some people think that this style is just there all the time. No, it isn’t. You’ll have to do it with a blow dryer, have a nice product for it and a little patience for your first few attempts.
Tools You’ll Need
- Blow dryer (medium heat, medium speed)
- Round brush or vent brush
- Product: wax, pomade, clay, or matte paste
- Finishing spray if you want hold
Step-by-Step
- Wash and towel dry – Do not work with very wet hair, keep it damp.
- Blow dry upwards – While you lift with the brush insert the air at roots. Now you have made the volume.
- Use of product – Take a small amount of the product and rub it between your palms, then let your fingers run through the top part of your hair. Do not flatten the hair but rather lift it.
- Shape – Use hands, not just combs. The style should be recognizable and not over- polished.
- Lock it in – If you want it to last the whole day, just a light mist of spray will do.
Variations of the Brush Up Hairstyle
One doesn’t necessarily have to be confined to a single interpretation. With just a couple of changes, it can give a different feeling.
Short Brush Up
Very little required for upkeep. Compatible with fades on the side. Just a short blow and application of product will do throughout the day.
Medium Textured Brush Up
More hair volume, greater room for styling. Perfect if your hair is thick by nature. You can create a little disarray to achieve a relaxed look.
Brush Up with Fade
Shaved sides and long hair on top. Most likely, this is the most popular version at the moment. It allows combining with street and business styles effectively.
Classic vs Modern Brush Up
- Classic – Sides with even length and top just slightly pushed back. Imagine it as a timeless, low-maintenance hairstyle.
- Modern – A sharply faded or undercut, high contrast, and most of the time, a bare face or subtle beard are the developments that come with the new look.
Maintenance and Upkeep
Though the brush-up is not very demanding, it is still not a set-and-forget one.
- Trimming – Every 3–4 weeks will prevent puffing of the sides.
- Washing – Do not wash too much. The natural oils in your hair will help texture. Washing 2–3 times a week is okay.
- Product Use – Clay is for a matte finish, pomade makes the hair shiny, wax gives a stronger hold.
Style Inspirations
If you checked out the hair of celebrities like Zac Efron, David Beckham, and Ryan Reynolds, you’d notice different variations of this style—just as versatile as the curly wolf cut.
However, they don’t style it the same way—Efron goes for a messy look, Beckham chooses sharp fades, and Reynolds keeps it subtle. That’s what it is for. You could make it suit you.
Common Mistakes with Brush Up Styles
- Applying excessive product (the hair may look oily).
- Not drying the hair properly before styling (it will be flat and unmanageable).
- The sides are too long (the hairstyle loses its shape).
- Only focusing on the front (while the front looks good, the back is flat and unkempt).
Brush Up vs Other Hairstyles
| Hairstyle | Key Feature | Best For | Effort Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brush Up | Volume + natural up | Most face shapes | Medium |
| Quiff | Curved front flip | Oval, round | Medium-high |
| Pompadour | Slick height | Square, oval | High |
| Spiky | Sharp upward locks | Round | Low-medium |
| Crew Cut | Short, uniform | All | Low |
FAQs
1. Is the brush up hairstyle hard to maintain?
Maintaining the brush up are not much of a problem. It is more complicated than a pompadour, yet a bit simpler than a buzz cut. The blow dry method, once mastered, makes it a very manageable.
2. Do you need a blow dryer to make a brush up?
You can do a brush up without a blow dryer, however, the volume won’t be the same. Product and air drying can result in a softer, messier style.
3. What products are best for a brush up style?
Natural finish can be achieved with the help of clays and matte pastes. You can get shiny hair by using pomades. If you want to make sure that your hairstyle is of a long-lasting hold, then you can use light hairsprays.
4. Does a brush up work on thin hair?
Sure, but you will need volumizing spray or powder. The blow dryer is really helpful for you in this case.
5. What is the difference between a quiff and a brush up?
One of the most distinguishing features of a quiff is the front part of the hair that is either flipped or curved. As for a brush up, it is more upright and neat and is not characterized by curling but rather by the lifting of the hair.
Root Allen is passionate about hair trends and modern grooming. He shares expert tips on the latest hairstyles and how to keep your look fresh year-round. With years of experience in hair blogging, Root breaks down complex styling trends into easy guides. His goal is to help readers confidently express themselves through their hair.