Air India's grooming guidelines: Hair gel mandatory, grey hair to be coloured

A circular was issued by Air India revising the uniform guidelines too

ITDC INDIA EPRESS/ ITDC NEWS In its latest grooming guidelines, Air India has instructed its crew members to cover grey hair using natural shades and apply hair gel mandatorily.

An over 40-page circular was issued by Air India revising the uniform and image guidelines that slate down the criteria for male and female crew members.

According to the Air India circular, male crew members must wear black uniform jackets throughout the flight in all cabins and maintain neat short haircuts with side parting (without volume).

"Personal tie pins are not allowed. Crew can wear a tie without the tie pin if not issued. Only black calf-length socks without logos are to be worn with the uniform," read the circular.

Male crew members should shave daily and apply hair gel mandatorily, added the circular.

"Use of hair gel is mandatory. Male crew with deep receding hairlines and male balding patches must keep a clean shaved head or bald look. The head must be shaved daily. Grey hair not permitted. Grey hair must be regularly coloured in a natural shade. Fashion colours and heena are not permitted. One ring in wedding band design is allowed for men. Only one Sikh Kada with a maximum of 0.5 cm thickness in gold or silver without any design, logos or stones may be worn. No bracelets," the guidelines read.

While for the female crew members, the latest uniform guidelines should be strictly followed.

"Apron is discontinued and not to be worn. Black blazer with Indo-western uniform is also discontinued and not to be worn on board. Calf-length stockings (sheer ones and matching the skin tone) are mandatory for flight duties with both a saree and Indo western uniform. Cardigan and waistcoat must never be worn together. Cardigan is not permitted during service."

Foundation and concealers matching the skin tone are mandatory as well.

"Eyeshadow, lipsticks, nail paint and hair shade cards are to be strictly followed as per uniform. Personal shades in these four products are not permitted. Gel nail polish and French manicures are allowed with regular refills and must be well-maintained," read the guidelines.

"Nail paint colours from shade card to be matched with uniform-red and corals for red uniform, pink with blue uniform, and nude, pearly white and French manicure with both uniforms," the guidelines read.  

The grey hair must be coloured in a natural shade or using company hair colour shade cards for females.

"Blonde hair colour and streaking is strictly not permitted. Hair must be neat and styled according to company hair guidelines. Very high top knots and low buns resting on the neck are strictly not permitted. The bun must be made in the centre of the crown. Short open hair must be blow dried or permanent smoothening to be done," it read.