If you’ve ever watched Southern Charm, you’ve probably found yourself wondering the same thing we all have: how on earth does Patricia Altschul get that flawless swoop in her hair? It’s sleek, voluminous, and perfectly polished—basically the Southern grande dame version of effortless glam. Luckily, we don’t have to keep guessing, because Patricia’s hairstylist (and fellow Southern Charm cast member) Madison LeCroy has spilled the secrets in a step-by-step tutorial.
Madison shared her method in a video, and while the demonstration itself is incredibly helpful, I know not everyone is a natural with a round brush and blow dryer. So, I’ve taken the liberty of breaking down the tutorial into easy-to-follow steps—with plenty of tips and even a few “cheat sheet” hacks for those of us who want the look without the hours of practice.
Why the Swoop Works
Before diving into the how-to, let’s talk about why Patricia’s swoop has become such a recognizable part of her look. The style strikes the perfect balance between retro glamour and modern polish. It lifts the face, adds volume where it matters most, and makes even the simplest outfit look sophisticated. It’s not overly styled or stiff, but it still makes a statement. In other words: it’s a hairstyle that looks like money.
Tools You’ll Need
You don’t need a salon’s worth of gadgets to achieve the swoop, but having the right tools will definitely make the process easier. Here’s what Madison recommends:
- A good round brush. Medium to large size, depending on your hair length.
- A blow dryer with a concentrator nozzle. The nozzle helps direct airflow and creates that smooth, shiny finish.
- Sectioning clips. These make it easier to work with smaller portions of hair.
- A lightweight mousse or volumizing spray. Adds grip and fullness without weighing hair down.
- Finishing spray. To lock everything in place without losing bounce.
Optional but helpful: a set of Velcro rollers to hold the swoop while it cools, or a large-barrel curling iron if blowdrying isn’t your thing.
Step-by-Step: The Perfect Hair Swoop
1. Prep the Hair
Start with clean, damp hair. Apply a volumizing mousse or spray at the roots—this is what gives the swoop its signature lift. Work the product through with your fingers or a comb for even distribution.
2. Section and Conquer
Use clips to divide your hair into manageable sections. Madison suggests starting with the bottom layers and working your way up. This ensures each section gets enough attention and prevents the dreaded half-styled look.
3. Round Brush Magic
Take a section of hair near the front where you want your swoop to live. Place your round brush under the section, pulling upward and away from your face while directing the blow dryer’s nozzle along the brush. The key here is tension—don’t be afraid to really pull the hair taut. This creates the smooth bend and volume you’re looking for.
4. The Flip and Cool Trick
Once you’ve got that swoop bend in place, hold it. Either pin the section up in a roller or let it cool on the brush for a few seconds. Hair sets in the shape it cools, so don’t rush this step.
5. Finishing Touches
After you’ve styled the rest of your hair, release the swoop section and gently brush it into place. A light mist of hairspray will keep it intact without making it look stiff. Madison recommends using bronzer-like logic here: less is more. You want polish, not helmet hair.
Cheat Sheet: For Non-Blow-Dryers
Not everyone is born with the coordination (or patience) to master a round brush and dryer combo. If that’s you, don’t panic—there are shortcuts:
- Velcro rollers: Blow dry your hair normally, then pop the front section into a roller. Let it cool while you finish your makeup, then release for an instant swoop.
- Curling iron: Use a large-barrel iron to curl the front section away from your face. Brush it out for that soft bend.
- Flat iron flick: If you’re really in a rush, you can use a straightener to bend just the front section outward for a similar effect.
Extra Tips from Madison
- Record the tutorial. If you need to watch Madison’s video multiple times, try recording your screen so you can pause and rewind without losing the link.
- Practice makes perfect. Like any styling technique, the swoop gets easier the more you try it. Don’t be discouraged if your first attempt doesn’t look exactly like Patricia’s.
- Work with your texture. If your hair is naturally fine, use lightweight products to avoid buildup. If it’s thick, don’t be afraid to use a little extra heat and tension.
Final Thoughts
Patricia Altschul’s swoop isn’t just a hairstyle—it’s an attitude. It’s confidence, poise, and a little touch of Southern drama wrapped up in one perfectly bent section of hair. Thanks to Madison LeCroy’s tutorial (and a few strategic hacks), it’s a look anyone can master at home with a bit of practice.
So the next time you’re heading out and want to feel just a little extra, grab your round brush, channel your inner Patricia, and give yourself that signature swoop. After all, life’s too short for flat hair.
