No grey hairs, no bald spots: Flight attendants’ appearance rules

Your plane has taken off, it’s stopped ascending, there’s no turbulence… So why are the seatbelt signs still on? Chances are, safety concerns or cockpit delays aren’t to blame – it’s because the crew are changing their outfits. Behind the curtains, they’re pulling on fresh jackets or waistcoats, removing their hats and swapping their shoes – and they just need a moment more.

“Most passengers have no idea we’re getting changed, it’s very secretive,” said Aya, laughing, as my eyes widened with the revelation. “It marks the start of service; we switch from our regular uniforms into our pleated dining jackets, which give us better dexterity when serving food.”

Qatar Airways crew will change before serving food on board.Credit: Getty Images

As an image and style specialist at Qatar Airways, Aya’s job is to keep the crew looking sharp at 35,000 feet – which requires a sneaky change at take-off and landing. “For women, we remove our hats and slip on flat shoes, because doing a six-hour flight in two-inch heels is torture, believe me.”

And so began my “grooming standards” training with Qatar Airways, the mandatory course that every cabin crew newbie must pass, and adhere to throughout their career. Lasting two days, the training covers everything from personal hygiene to the six pieces of makeup that are mandatory (yes, really) for every female employee.

I was at the airline’s HQ in Doha, a low-rise office block just like any other, with one exception: all of the staff were wearing crew uniforms. Aya’s grey jacket denoted her supervisor status, but every employee – even those battling the office printer and answering phones – looked elegant and ready to command a drinks trolley or point out the exits.

Qatar Airways crew must follow strict rules regarding their appearance, including never removing their hat or jacket in an airport.Credit: Getty Images

That morning, I’d been happy with my updo hairstyle and crimson lippy, but now the words “hedge” and “backwards” popped to mind. However, help was at hand. Alongside a few recent recruits, I’d been granted exclusive access to Qatar Airways’ grooming training, held in its purpose-built beauty parlour.

It looked exactly like a salon, with a dozen huge mirrors, leather chairs and lashings of grooming products. Nail varnishes, powder puffs, foundations, face creams and enough hairspray to lacquer a small army.

Aya’s mission was to transform me – in looks at least – into a flight attendant. My uniform was ready, but was I? Aya stepped back, assessing the job. “First, you must remove your jewellery: only your wedding ring can stay. Now let’s see if we have some pearl earrings somewhere…”

Knotty problems and bald patches

Your hat must be 1.5 centimetres above your eyebrows.Credit: Qatar Airways

I could barely keep up as Aya reeled off the uniform rules. Your hat must reach 1.5 centimetres above your eyebrows, and never be removed except during a flight. Name badges should be on the left side of the body, and ladies’ skirts should be five centimetres below the knee. You must never take off your jacket in an airport, and gents can only fix their tie with a Windsor knot. If attendants’ uniform doesn’t comply, “they’ll be told to amend it – until it does”.

And if they lose an item? “Not good,” grimaced Aya. “All crew fly with a change of clothes, but if they misplace anything it’s sent out to them on the next flight – they can’t work without it.”

I slipped my uniform on in the changing room, appreciating the quality finish of the 100 per cent wool skirt, and the silky (though rather thin) blouse. I loved the fuchsia neckerchief, which is part of the airline’s new design, but the jacket reminded me of my school blazer.

Next up, hair and makeup with Samar, a former lawyer turned flight attendant, and now Qatar Airways’ image and style co-ordinator. She scraped my hair into the regulation tight bun, positioned midway up the head so that the hat sits just-so, liberally adding coconut oil, wax and hairspray to banish any wisps (also forbidden). Every strand was crispy, and further secured – as per the rules – with no more than four bobby pins, a hair-net and voluminous burgundy scrunchie.

“Grey hair is a no-no,” explained Samar as she worked, “as are visible tattoos, false lashes, and cosmetic surgery – even microblading. And if you dye your hair, it should be natural – no ombre or highlights.” She pressed on: “Men’s sideburns should reach the mid-ear, and their only permitted facial hair is full moustaches – no beards. Buzz-cuts aren’t allowed: if a man’s scalp is visible, it must be covered with hair mascara or coloured spray – no excuses.”

Lipstick is essential – but only three shades are allowed

To an outsider, the image rules might sound like overkill, but they’re designed to tap into passengers’ subconscious biases, explained Aya. “Consistency makes people feel safe, and someone well-groomed is more likely to be perceived as in control and trustworthy.”

The airline’s thousands of crew hail from all over the world, each with their own cultural styles – so uniformity is vital. “It’s not about being beautiful; it’s about upholding standards,” she continued. “The small details add up: if you notice something out of place, you might start thinking, ‘What else is wrong?’ It’s our job to prevent that.”

While makeup for men is forbidden, female crew must wear at least six items at all times: foundation, concealer, mascara (only black), blusher (warm pink or peach), nail varnish and lippy. Most crew opt to use more, however – and Samar was already reaching for an eyeshadow palette (earthy hues only).

“You can only use three lipstick colours,” explained Aya. “Deep red, deep pink or burgundy, and they should be matte.” Nails – no longer than 0.5 centimetres beyond the fingertip – should match your lip colour, though nude is also fine. And stick-ons are forbidden. “Nobody wants a false nail in their inflight meal,” she quipped.

Samar hummed as she applied layer after layer to my face, the salon alive with chit-chat. It took 20 minutes, and I’ve never worn so much makeup in my life – though when she finally whirled my chair around, I definitely felt glamorous.

“You’re one of us now,” said a fellow recruit, as I smoothed my skirt and stepped into my regulation black heels. Something about the uniform made me straighten my posture and smile, without any prompting.

“Just one final thing,” said eagle-eyed Aya, adjusting my hat to the required 1.5 centimetres above-brow. Minor details, yes – but while most airlines seem to be on a race to the bottom, Aya and co are reaching for the sky.

The Telegraph, London