Swoop braided hairstyles feature braids that are styled to sweep dramatically across the head from a side part, creating an elegant cascading look. To achieve swooping braids, simply part the hair deeply on one side then begin braiding close to the scalp, incorporating more hair as you cross the head diagonally. Secure the braid and gently pull on pieces to loosen and get that swooping shape. There are endless variations, from fishtail braids to French braids, that can be worn loose or worked into an updo. Swooping braids add beautiful dimension, texture, and a romantic vibe perfect for any occasion. They are easy to do and guarantee to earn compliments!
What Are Swoop Braids?
Swoop braids, also sometimes called swept braids, are a type of braided hairstyle where the braids sweep across the forehead rather than straight back. There are a few key elements that define the swoop braid look:
- Parting: Swoop braids usually start with a deep side part, with more hair left out on one side. This creates the dramatic swooped effect.
- Direction: The braids swoop forward and across the forehead diagonally rather than sitting straight back.
- Volume: Swoop braids often incorporate feed-in hair or extensions to create full, voluminous braids with lots of height.
- Ending: The braids may end at different lengths, from above the ear to well below the shoulders. Shorter styles help emphasize the swoop.
The Benefits of Swoop Braids
There are many reasons swoop braids have become a go-to protective style:
Low maintenance. Like other braided styles, swoop braids allow you to take a break from daily styling and manipulation of natural hair. The braids can last for weeks at a time.
Protect hair length. Keeping hair contained in braids prevents breakage, split ends, and tangling. This allows natural hair to retain length.
Versatility. There are endless variations of swoop braids, allowing you to switch up the look. You can opt for thin, medium, or chunky braids.
Stylish look. Swoop braids make a fashion-forward statement and frame the face beautifully. The dramatic side sweep is eye-catching.
Volume. Braiding styles like these allow you to add fullness and thickness with extensions if desired.
Famous Swoop Ponytails: Colors and Styles
The queen of swoop ponytails, Kim Kardashian, often rocks celebrity hairstyle looks featuring her blonde highlights, rose pink, black and blonde ombre, honey blonde ombre, or dark brown and copper colors, with a zigzag-shaped parting showing off a blunt cut or black and red shade. Her blonde swoop pony may be gathered into a low knot bun, braided bun, or loose bun for a heart-shaped parting and shiny slicked ponytail with feed in braids or copper tips.
Other celebrities like Zendaya and Ariana Grande have slayed the dark brown ombre swooping pony with extra length to make their prominent edges stand out. Rihanna and Ciara love the volume a high ponytail or complex braids bring. Add a single bubble for a bounce or slight curls at the ends for a comfortable and easy, small twist section look. Selena Gomez and Margot Robbie have rocked ponytails with wavy bangs for a flawless look that works on medium and long hair.
Swoop Ponytail Hairstyles For A Stunning Look
The swoop ponytail is taking over as one of the hottest hairstyle trends. This gorgeous yet easy ponytail gets its name from the dramatic side swoop of hair it creates across the head. Swooping ponytails are bold and eye-catching, adding flair and sophistication to an everyday ponytail. Keep reading for the best swoop ponytail ideas guaranteed to elevate your hairstyle!
How to Do Swoop Braids on Yourself
With some practice, it’s possible to DIY swoop braids at home. Follow these steps:
Gather supplies:
- Hair clips
- Combs
- Edge brush
- Hair bands
- Moisturizing products
- Small sections of extension hair (optional)
Part the hair:
- Create a deep side part. Leave more hair out on the side you want your braids to sweep toward.
- Secure the parted sections with clips.
Begin braiding:
- Working in small sections, start braiding close to the part line, diagonally toward the forehead.
- Make braids small and tight for a smooth, sleek look.
- If adding extensions, incorporate them as you braid.
- Continue braiding at the swooped angle all the way across.
Complete the look:
- Secure braid ends with bands and dip them in boiling water to prevent unraveling.
- Sleek edges with brush and edge control gel.
- Spritz braids lightly with oil sheen spray for shine.
- Enjoy your swoop braids!
Swoop Braid Styles for Kids
Swoop braids make an adorable style for kids, whether on natural hair or braided extensions. Some fun ideas include:
- Double swoops: Part hair into two sections and create matching swoops.
- Swooped buns: Braid hair into one or two swoop braids, then spin into buns.
- Beaded braids: Add colorful beads at the ends of swoop braids.
- Braid crown: Pull braids up and across the back of the head.
- Pigtail swoops: Part hair down the center and swoop two braids down from pigtails.
- Fun colors: Use extensions in bold colors like red, blue, or blonde.
How to Maintain Your Swoop Braids
Once your swoop braids are installed, a little maintenance will help them last longer and stay looking fresh. Here are some tips:
- Gently pat braids dry with a t-shirt after washing to prevent frizz. Let air dry completely.
- Use a light oil like grapeseed or jojoba to massage the scalp and seal the ends. Avoid heavy grease.
- Tie braids up in a silk scarf or bonnet before bed.
- The braid ends under each night and re-dip in hot water every few days to set the style.
- Use a moisturizing spray made for braided hair to reduce itching and replenish moisture.
- Take braids down after 4-6 weeks max to avoid excessive tension on hair follicles.
Best Swoop Ponytail Ideas For Inspiration
From high to low ponies, there are so many ways to wear the swoop ponytail. Here are creative swooping ponytail styles to inspire your next look:
Braided Swoop Bun
The braided swoop bun is a gorgeous updated take on the standard bun. To create this look, start by parting your hair down the middle. Take a section from the front top part of your hair and braid it back towards the bun. When you reach the back of your head, swoop the braid up into the bun and use bobby pins to secure it into place. This creates a beautiful braided accent piece that sweeps up into the bun.
Doing a French or Dutch braid gives an intricate detail, while a simple three-strand braid keeps it casual. The rest of your hair is then pulled together into a loose bun, which can sit at the nape of the neck or higher on the crown. Finish off with hairspray to keep flyaways in place. The braided swoop bun is feminine and elegant for a wedding or formal event, yet also chic for everyday wear. This hairstyle is flattering on straight, wavy, or curly locks.
Swoop Ponytail with Straight Base
Keep the actual ponytail sleek and straight. Use a smoothing serum on soaking wet hair before blowing it dry pin straight. Sweep sections diagonally from a side part into a high ponytail, securing with an elastic that matches your hair color. Leave the lengths brush straight for a polished take on this style.
Ombre Swoop Ponytail Ideas
If you have a graduated balayage or ombre effect on your hair, show it off beautifully in a swoop ponytail. Keep the ponytail centered or slightly off to the side to emphasize the sweeping ombre colors. Soft blended highlights look dreamy styled this way.
Swoop Hairstyle With Double Ponytail
Amp up the drama by parting your straight hair into two sections, then pulling each side back into a high ponytail on either side. It creates an incredible swooping dimension. For added texture, tease the ponytail bases first. Stunning!
High Ponytail With Blunt Cut
The swoop pony looks so edgy and modern paired with hair that’s cut bluntly at the ends in a straight line. Contrast the soft swoop with a razor-sharp chopped finish. It’s a fashionable combo.
High Ponytail With Swoop
A ponytail doesn’t have to be perfectly sleek. For playful texture, backcomb the base and scrunch the ponytail length. Exaggerate the side swoop more for a tousled, imperfect vibe. It’s easier than a polished pony and still eye-catching.
Swoop Ponytail With Buns
Why choose one ponytail when you can have two? Part the hair in a deep side part, then split hair into two high pigtails. Twist each pigtail into a bun shape and pin or band in place. The double top knot buns create so much gorgeous swoop.
Swoop With Low Ponytail
Switch it up by wearing your ponytail low at the nape of the neck and letting the swooped hair fall over one shoulder. It creates a flirty swingy effect while keeping your look casual. Pair it with straight or wavy hair.
Side Weave Ponytail
For a faux undercut effect, slick back one side of hair past the ear into a ponytail. Leave the other side loose to accentuate the dramatic side part. It’s edgy yet still feminine with loads of texture and volume.
Swoop Ponytail With Curly Ends
Show off beautiful curls and waves in your swooping ponytail. Use a curling wand to add bouncy ringlets only from mid-length to ends, keeping the ponytail base smooth. Scrunch for extra volume. So glamorous!
Cornrows Swoop Ponytail Ideas
Make your swooping ponytail ultra funky and eye-catching by first braiding cornrows along the sides and back of the head. Pull the rest of the hair into a high ponytail. The braids accentuate the dramatic side swoop.
Braided Ponytail Base
For a neater alternative, French braid the hair on both sides to create the swooped effect. Pull the rest of the hair into a ponytail to cover the elastic. The braided base keeps everything tidy and smooth.
Braids and Bubbles
Bring gorgeous texture to your ponytail by parting the hair into triangle sections and braiding each one before gathering it into a ponytail. Scrunch in colorful hair bubbles along the ponytail for a playful, ’90s-inspired vibe.
Swoop Ponytail For Natural Hair
This style works beautifully on natural textures too! Use a curl cream to define curls and reduce frizz. Part deep, and gather up your voluminous curls into a high ponytail, letting them cascade down for a statement swoop.
Swoop Ponytail Hairstyle With Double Bangs
Make your swooping pony edgy by adding asymmetric bangs. Cut the front pieces shorter on one side to accentuate the dramatic side part. Pair it with a severely straight ponytail that contrasts the angles of the bangs.
Styling Super Long Hair: Ideas and Inspiration
Those blessed with super long, ankle-length hair know that having fun with pretty hairstyles and updos takes time, care, and the right products, inspiration, and ideas – which you can find plenty of on Pinterest. Start your haircare routine in the morning by washing and sectioning off wet hair to braid waves and style into your favorite hairdo, whether it’s a strawberry blonde fishtail, bobby pinned updo, or swoop bun firmly in place with hairclips.
Get inspiration from Micronesia’s floor-length locks officially featured in the Daily Mail or achieve Rapunzel-worthy length yourself. Divided into sections, braid hair the opposite way down the stairs before putting it up and showing off pictures of your officially inspiration, ankle-length hairdo. Try a Dutch braid, style waves with bobby pins firmly in place, or create a swoop bun – let your super long hair be your new favorite hairstyle.
Conclusion
The swoop ponytail is the perfect way to take a basic ponytail to the next level. This on-trend hairstyle involves creating a ponytail and then sweeping and swooping the length of the ponytail to one side. This creates beautiful movement, volume, and visual interest. The swoop pony can be worn high on the crown or lower on the head for different looks. It pairs well with sleek, straight ponytails or can look amazing with textured, beachy waves.
For special occasions, braiding a section of the ponytail before swooping it to the side makes a gorgeous updo. The options are endless – add an accessory like a ribbon or fun scrunchie to customize your swoop pony. No matter if your hair is curly, straight, thick, or thin, the swooping ponytail is an effortless way to look stylish and put together for work, date night, or a casual weekend.
FAQs About Swoop Braided Hairstyles
How do you get volume at the ponytail base?
Backcomb hair at the crown with a comb before smoothing it into a ponytail for tons of volume. You can also lightly tease the ponytail base itself for extra lift at the roots.
Which side should you part hair for the swoop?
Most people tend to sweep their ponytail toward the smaller side of their face, as it flatters the face shape. But feel free to experiment with swooping either left or right to see what you like best!
How do you secure the ponytail neatly?
Smooth the ponytail base with anti-frizz serum first. Pull hair tightly into an elastic, then wrap a thin piece of hair around the base to hide the elastic. Bobby pins it underneath the ponytail.
How long does the swooping ponytail style last?
The swoop pony can last 2-3 days if you use strong hold hairspray after styling to lock it in place. Refresh the roots with dry shampoo and touch up the swoop as needed between washes.
What hair type works best for this look?
The pony swoop looks amazing on straight, wavy, or curly hair. Straight hair sweeps smoothly, curls add volume and waves create touchable texture. It’s versatile for all hair types and textures.
Should your hair be dirty for the most volume?
Yes, a bit of dirt and oil in the hair can help create more volume and texture in the ponytail base. But don’t overdo it – too much oil will make hair limp.
How do you sleep with a swooping ponytail?
Protect the style overnight by wrapping hair in a silk scarf or soft scrunchie. Or, let your hair down to sleep and redo a ponytail in the morning. Sleeping directly on the pony can flatten it.
What products keep the ponytail looking smooth?
Apply anti-frizz serum to the ponytail lengths to keep them sleek and frizz-free. Shine spray also helps with added gloss. Light-hold hairspray keeps the swoop locked all day.
Can anyone with short hair do this look?
You need at least shoulder length or longer hair to achieve the swooping effect. But hair extensions like clip-ins can easily give shorter hair extra length for this style.
Is the swooping ponytail still stylish for 2024?
Yes! The ponytail swoop shows no signs of going out of fashion. It remains a gorgeous, modern hairstyle for the year. Feel free to put your spin on it too based on your hair type and lifestyle!
