15 Stylish Brush Up Hairstyles for Men That Add Height & Volume
For men who want a hairstyle that immediately adds presence and personality, brush up hairstyles offer a powerful solution. These styles focus on lifting the hair upward from the forehead, creating noticeable height and volume that instantly enhances the overall appearance. Among modern barbering trends, brush up hairstyles for men have become a popular choice for those who want a confident, stylish look without overly complicated styling routines.
What makes brush up styles especially appealing is their versatility. They can be paired with fades, tapers, or layered cuts to create a structured yet natural appearance. The raised front section not only adds visual height but also helps frame the face in a flattering way. Many barbers recommend brush up styles because they work well across different hair types and lengths while maintaining a clean, modern shape.
Another reason these hairstyles remain so popular is their adaptability. Whether styled neatly for work or slightly textured for casual occasions, brush up haircuts balance bold styling with everyday practicality. For men who want stylish men’s haircuts that combine volume, movement, and structure, brush up styles remain one of the most reliable options in modern grooming.
From subtle brushed styles to bold voluminous looks, these voluminous hairstyles for men continue to define contemporary barbering trends while helping men achieve a confident and polished appearance.
What Is a Brush Up Hairstyle?
A brush up hairstyle is a haircut where the hair is styled upward and slightly backward from the forehead. The top section is usually left longer, allowing it to be lifted and shaped to create volume and height.
Barbers typically combine this style with fades or tapers on the sides to highlight the volume on top. Layers are often added to the top section so the hair can move naturally while maintaining structure. This contrast between shorter sides and lifted top creates a balanced and modern silhouette.
One reason brush up hairstyles remain popular among modern men’s hairstyles is that they help enhance facial features. The added height can make the face appear more defined and structured, while the textured top brings movement and personality to the overall look.
Because brush up styles are flexible, they can be tailored to suit different hair textures, face shapes, and lifestyles. Whether styled neatly or with relaxed texture, they offer a bold yet wearable grooming choice.
1. Classic Brush Up
The classic brush up is one of the most recognizable and balanced brush up hairstyles for men. The sides are typically tapered or faded slightly, while the top is left long enough to be styled upward from the forehead. The result is a clean yet stylish appearance that adds height without looking exaggerated.
The top is usually styled using a blow dryer to create lift, followed by light products to maintain the shape. This haircut works well for men who want a timeless style that still feels modern and confident.
Key Features:
- Medium-length top for height
- Tapered or lightly faded sides
- Structured brushed-up front
- Balanced, clean silhouette
Styling Tips:
- Blow-dry the hair upward from the front
- Apply a light styling paste for hold
- Use fingers to maintain natural movement
Best For:
Men with straight or slightly wavy hair who want a polished everyday hairstyle.
Vibe:
Clean, confident, and modern.
2. Textured Brush Up
The textured brush up adds layers and movement to the top section. Instead of a smooth finish, the hair is styled with visible texture, giving the hairstyle a more relaxed and modern appearance.
The sides are typically faded or tapered to highlight the volume above. This version works well for men who prefer casual trendy men’s hairstyles that still maintain structure.
Key Features:
- Layered textured top
- Short faded sides
- Natural movement and volume
- Relaxed modern styling
Styling Tips:
- Apply matte texture paste
- Scrunch the hair slightly while styling
- Avoid overly heavy products
Best For:
Men with thick hair who want a modern everyday hairstyle.
Vibe:
Relaxed, stylish, and confident.
3. Brush Up with Low Fade
The low fade brush up combines a subtle fade with a voluminous top. The fade begins near the ears and gradually blends upward, creating a clean transition that keeps the hairstyle balanced.
The top section remains longer so it can be styled upward and slightly backward.
Key Features:
- Low fade along sides
- Lifted front section
- Smooth transition between lengths
- Clean modern shape
Styling Tips:
- Blow-dry upward for volume
- Use light styling cream for control
- Maintain fade with regular trims
Best For:
Men who want modern men’s hairstyles suitable for both work and social settings.
Vibe:
Balanced, polished, and stylish.
4. Brush Up with High Fade
The high fade brush up creates stronger contrast between the top and sides. The fade starts higher on the head, allowing the lifted top section to stand out more prominently.
This haircut delivers one of the boldest voluminous hairstyles for men while maintaining clean structure.
Key Features:
- High fade on sides
- Dramatic volume on top
- Strong contrast
- Defined silhouette
Styling Tips:
- Blow-dry hair upward and slightly backward
- Use medium-hold styling product
- Shape the front section carefully
Best For:
Men who want a bold and attention-grabbing hairstyle.
Vibe:
Sharp, bold, and modern.
5. Short Brush Up
The short brush up keeps the top relatively short while still allowing the hair to be lifted upward. The sides remain tapered or faded for a clean finish.
This variation is ideal for men who want height without requiring extensive styling time.
Key Features:
- Short textured top
- Clean tapered sides
- Simple structure
- Low-maintenance styling
Styling Tips:
- Apply a small amount of styling paste
- Style upward using fingers
- Maintain regular trims
Best For:
Busy professionals who want quick styling.
Vibe:
Clean, practical, and modern.
6. Brush Up with Mid Fade
The mid fade brush up creates a balanced contrast between the sides and the lifted top. The fade begins halfway up the sides, making the style both noticeable and wearable.
Key Features:
- Mid fade on sides
- Structured top volume
- Balanced contrast
- Clean modern shape
Styling Tips:
- Blow-dry for volume
- Apply matte styling product
- Use fingers for natural movement
Best For:
Men who want stylish haircuts suitable for work and casual settings.
Vibe:
Stylish, balanced, and confident.
7. Curly Brush Up
Men with curly hair can adapt the brush up style by allowing their curls to form the lifted center section. The sides are kept short so the curls remain the focal point.
Key Features:
- Curly textured top
- Short faded sides
- Natural volume
- Defined curl structure
Styling Tips:
- Use curl-enhancing styling cream
- Avoid over-brushing curls
- Let curls maintain natural shape
Best For:
Men with naturally curly or wavy hair.
Vibe:
Bold, expressive, and modern.
8. Messy Brush Up
The messy brush up focuses on relaxed styling and natural texture. Instead of precise structure, the hair is styled loosely for a slightly tousled appearance.
Key Features:
- Loose textured top
- Short clean sides
- Casual styling finish
- Natural volume
Styling Tips:
- Use matte clay for texture
- Style hair with fingers
- Allow slight irregular movement
Best For:
Men who want casual stylish men’s haircuts.
Vibe:
Effortless, cool, and modern.
9. Layered Brush Up
Adding layers to the top helps increase movement and dimension in the brush up style. The layered structure allows the hair to hold volume naturally.
Key Features:
- Layered top section
- Clean tapered sides
- Fuller appearance
- Dynamic movement
Styling Tips:
- Blow-dry upward for shape
- Use light texture paste
- Maintain regular trims
Best For:
Men with thick hair who want volume and structure.
Vibe:
Stylish, dynamic, and modern.
10. Brush Up with Taper
The taper brush up creates a softer transition along the sides while maintaining a lifted top. This variation appears slightly more refined than faded versions.
Key Features:
- Gradual taper along sides
- Lifted front styling
- Clean professional shape
- Balanced proportions
Styling Tips:
- Blow-dry front section upward
- Apply light styling cream
- Comb gently for structure
Best For:
Professional settings.
Vibe:
Clean, polished, and modern.
11. Thick Hair Brush Up
Men with thick hair often achieve excellent results with brush up styles because their hair naturally holds volume.
Key Features:
- Thick voluminous top
- Clean faded sides
- Strong structure
- Bold silhouette
Styling Tips:
- Blow-dry hair upward
- Use matte clay for control
- Remove excess bulk through layering
Best For:
Men with dense hair textures.
Vibe:
Bold, confident, and stylish.
12. Wavy Brush Up
Natural waves can create a softer version of the brush up hairstyle. The waves provide movement while the lifted styling adds height.
Key Features:
- Natural wave texture
- Clean tapered sides
- Soft volume
- Relaxed structure
Styling Tips:
- Apply lightweight styling cream
- Allow waves to form naturally
- Avoid heavy styling products
Best For:
Men with naturally wavy hair.
Vibe:
Relaxed, stylish, and modern.
13. Brush Up with Line Up
Adding a line up or edge-up enhances the sharpness of the brush up hairstyle by creating crisp hairline definition.
Key Features:
- Sharp hairline edges
- Lifted textured top
- Clean faded sides
- Precise barber detailing
Styling Tips:
- Maintain hairline regularly
- Blow-dry upward for lift
- Use styling paste for control
Best For:
Men who appreciate detailed grooming.
Vibe:
Sharp, modern, and confident.
14. Medium Length Brush Up
The medium-length brush up allows more flexibility in styling. The longer top section can be styled with dramatic height or slightly relaxed movement.
Key Features:
- Medium-length top
- Clean sides
- Flexible styling options
- Balanced structure
Styling Tips:
- Blow-dry upward for volume
- Use medium-hold styling product
- Experiment with styling direction
Best For:
Men who enjoy styling versatility.
Vibe:
Stylish, bold, and confident.
15. Modern Textured Brush Up
The modern textured brush up blends contemporary barbering with natural styling. The top features defined texture while the sides remain clean and structured.
Key Features:
- Modern textured top
- Clean fade or taper
- Natural volume
- Contemporary styling
Styling Tips:
- Use matte styling paste
- Style using fingers for texture
- Maintain regular trims
Best For:
Men who want trendy men’s hairstyles that remain practical.
Vibe:
Modern, confident, and stylish.
Grooming Tips for Maintaining a Brush Up Hairstyle
Maintaining a brush up hairstyle requires consistent grooming to keep the structure and volume intact. Because these styles rely on lifted hair at the front, regular trims help prevent the haircut from losing its shape.
Visiting a barber every two to three weeks helps maintain clean sides and balanced proportions. This keeps the contrast between the shorter sides and the voluminous top looking intentional.
Blow-drying plays an important role in achieving the desired height. Directing warm air upward from the front helps lift the hair and maintain the brush up shape throughout the day.
Using lightweight styling products such as matte pastes, styling creams, or light clays can help control the hair while maintaining natural movement. These products provide hold without making the hair appear stiff.
Finally, keeping the neckline and sides neatly trimmed ensures the hairstyle remains one of the most polished modern men’s hairstyles.
FAQs
What is a brush up hairstyle for men?
A brush up hairstyle involves styling the hair upward from the forehead to create height and volume. The sides are usually shorter to emphasize the lifted top section.
How do men add volume to a brush up hairstyle?
Volume is typically created by blow-drying the hair upward and using lightweight styling products that help maintain lift without weighing the hair down.
Are brush up hairstyles easy to maintain?
Yes, most brush up styles are relatively easy to maintain. Regular trims and simple daily styling help keep the hairstyle looking clean and structured.
Which hair types work best for brush up hairstyles?
Straight, thick, and slightly wavy hair types generally work best because they hold volume well. However, curly hair can also be styled into brush up variations with proper shaping.
Are brush up hairstyles suitable for professional settings?
Many brush up styles, especially those paired with tapers or subtle fades, can look polished and appropriate for professional environments.
Conclusion
Brush up hairstyles continue to be one of the most popular voluminous hairstyles for men because they combine structure, height, and modern styling. By lifting the hair upward from the forehead, these styles create a confident and stylish appearance that enhances facial features.
From classic variations to textured modern cuts, brush up hairstyles for men offer versatility that suits different hair types and lifestyles. This adaptability is one reason they remain a favorite among barbers and style-conscious men.
For men who want stylish men’s haircuts that add height, movement, and personality, brush up hairstyles provide a bold yet wearable option that reflects confidence and modern grooming trends.
Many of these contemporary styling techniques are also showcased in Trendy Taper Haircuts for Men, where gradual blending, clean structure, and balanced top volume create a refined haircut that looks modern while remaining versatile for everyday grooming.
