Male cabin crew grooming matters more than people think. Airlines expect a clean, professional appearance that matches their brand. Passengers notice small details—your hair, beard, hands—and so do recruiters. This guide explains what’s allowed, what isn’t, and how to stay within grooming rules for male flight attendants.
TL;DR:
- Most airlines expect male cabin crew to be clean-shaven, but a few allow short, tidy beards.
- Hair must be neat, natural in colour, and usually above the collar.
- Visible tattoos and long hair are rarely accepted, especially at premium airlines.
- Grooming includes skincare, hands, nails, and keeping your uniform sharp.
- Rules vary by airline—Emirates, Qatar, and Singapore Airlines are the strictest.
Can Male Cabin Crew Have Beards?
Most airlines ask for a clean-shaven look, but a few allow beards if they’re short and well-maintained. For example, British Airways allows neatly trimmed beards, while Emirates and Qatar Airways require male crew to be completely clean-shaven, even during training.
Some airlines ban beards for safety reasons—oxygen masks must seal tightly during emergencies. If a beard is allowed, it needs to be even, shaped, and short. Patchy or untrimmed styles won’t pass.
Moustaches are usually fine if they don’t extend past the corners of your mouth. A small goatee may be accepted, but only if it’s symmetrical and clean.
Always check your airline’s grooming policy before growing facial hair. Each airline has its own rules.
What Haircuts Are Allowed for Male Cabin Crew?
Most airlines prefer short, tidy haircuts. Crew cuts, fades, comb-overs, and other classic styles are all accepted. Singapore Airlines, for example, expects male crew to keep their hair above the collar and styled neatly. Medium-length hair is allowed by some airlines, but it must not look messy or touch the collar.
Long hairstyles are usually not accepted unless they’re tied back in a way that looks polished—which is rare. Dyed hair in unnatural colours is also a no-go. Lufthansa, like many airlines, only allows natural hair colours for male crew.
Get your hair cut every 3–5 weeks and avoid heavy styling products. A simple, natural look is safer.
Can Male Flight Attendants Have Long Hair?
Some low-cost or regional airlines may allow long hair if it’s tied back neatly, but the majority prefer short styles. Ryanair and Qatar Airways, for example, both require male cabin crew to have clean, short haircuts.
Even if long hair is technically allowed, it still needs to look sharp, tidy, and professional—not casual or trendy.
What About Hand and Nail Grooming?
Your hands are always visible—when serving drinks, helping passengers, or pointing out safety exits. Nails must be short, clean, and unpolished. No bold designs, no glossy finishes.
Dry skin, cracked cuticles, or dirty nails will get noticed. Use hand cream if needed and keep everything tidy. If you have visible tattoos on your hands, some airlines may ask you to cover them. Japan Airlines, for example, has a no-visible-tattoo policy.
Skin Care and Hygiene for Male Cabin Crew
A simple skincare routine makes a big difference. Wash your face twice a day, use moisturiser, and exfoliate once a week if needed. Avoid oily products—airlines want you to look fresh, not shiny.
Wear deodorant but skip heavy cologne. Some passengers are sensitive to strong scents. Stick to mild or unscented products. Keep breath mints in your pocket. You’ll be talking to people all day.
What Are the Grooming Rules for Uniforms?
Uniforms must be clean, well-fitted, and wrinkle-free. If it looks too tight or baggy, get it tailored. Shoes must be closed-toe, polished, and match airline standards. No scuffed heels or worn soles.
Most airlines allow a simple watch and a wedding ring. Anything flashy—like chunky jewellery—is usually not allowed. If you wear glasses, they should be plain and professional-looking.
Staying Fresh During Long Flights
Cabin crew work long shifts in dry air. Bring travel-sized deodorant, facial wipes, and a comb for quick touch-ups. Check your appearance during breaks. Keep your skin hydrated by drinking water, not just coffee.
Grooming isn’t just for the start of your shift. You need to keep looking sharp until landing.
What Grooming Mistakes Should You Avoid?
Too much gel, cologne, or aftershave can be overwhelming. Keep it simple. Stray eyebrow hairs, visible nose or ear hair, and untrimmed sideburns all need attention. Don’t forget to polish your shoes and iron your uniform. Even small things can affect how passengers see you—and how recruiters judge you.
Male Cabin Crew Grooming Standards by Airline
Some airlines are more strict than others. Qatar Airways, Emirates, and Singapore Airlines all have very specific grooming requirements, often stricter than European or low-cost carriers. For example, Emirates requires male crew to be clean-shaven, while British Airways allows neatly trimmed beards.
Long hairstyles, visible tattoos, and coloured hair are also treated differently depending on the airline. If you’re applying, check your airline’s grooming policy before the interview. What works at one airline might get you rejected at another.
Final Thoughts
Being well-groomed is part of the job when you’re male cabin crew. It’s not just about hair or beards—it’s how you show you’re ready to represent the airline. If you want the job, follow the grooming rules. If you already have the job, keep it up. Passengers notice. So do recruiters.
If you’re not sure what’s allowed, ask in our cabin crew forum or check your airline’s manual. Ready to apply? Visit our jobs page and start your application today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can male cabin crew have beards?
Some airlines allow neatly trimmed beards, but many still require male cabin crew to be clean-shaven for safety and uniformity.
What hairstyle is best for male cabin crew?
Short, tidy styles like fades, crew cuts, or classic comb-overs are widely accepted. Hair should not touch the collar or look messy.
Are male flight attendants allowed to have long hair?
Long hair is rarely accepted. If it is, it must be tied back tightly and still look professional. Most airlines prefer short styles.
Can male cabin crew have tattoos?
Some airlines allow tattoos if they’re not visible in uniform. Others, like Emirates and Qatar Airways, require them to be fully covered.