This story is available exclusively to Business Insider subscribers. Become an Insider and start reading now.

Flight attendants, particularly women, have historically faced stringent appearance expectations from the dawn of the jet age through to the mid-1990s. Airlines often claimed that these requirements attracted high-paying travelers and fostered a more prestigious brand image.

Back in the 1970s, for instance, stewardesses as they were known had to adhere to very specific physical criteria; they could not be too tall or short, young or old, and weight restrictions were common. Moreover, many airlines required their female staff to be unmarried and without children. To illustrate this point, Southwest Airlines famously outfitted its flight attendants in hot pants and go-go boots, reflecting the era's unique fashion trends.

However, the aviation industry has evolved significantly over the years. Today, airlines worldwide have shifted their focus, emphasizing safety and service for flight attendants. While many airlines still maintain appearance standards to some extent such as guidelines on skirt length, nail care, and hairstyles these requirements are far less stringent than those seen in earlier decades.

In a notable departure from traditional norms, some Western carriers now allow female cabin crew to wear comfortable tennis shoes instead of heels and to opt for pants in lieu of skirts and dresses. Furthermore, there is a growing acceptance of minimal or no makeup among female flight attendants, while male crew members are increasingly permitted to wear stud earrings.

Nevertheless, there are still carriers that uphold traditional appearance expectations, with Qatar Airways standing out for its particularly rigorous standards. Known for its luxury-focused brand and professionalism, Qatar Airways has garnered a reputation for having the strictest appearance codes in the industry, earning accolades as the worlds best airline as of 2024.

A spokesperson for Qatar Airways revealed that these stringent guidelines have not affected the number of applicants; only around 6% to 8% of the tens of thousands of candidates are selected each year.

Business Insider had the opportunity to speak with Qatar flight attendants Daina Haughton and Milan Rankovic, along with style expert Kristine Odejar, to delve deeper into the airline's appearance policies.

Makeup, Skin, and Nail Requirements

Haughton shared that Qatar's flight attendants receive detailed training on hair and makeup during their initial onboarding process. This training involves collaboration with grooming officers, like Odejar, who assist flight attendants in selecting makeup that complements their skin tone and texture, teaching them effective application techniques using various brushes and tools.

Although Haughton described the training as manageable, she acknowledged the valuable tips provided by the consultants, helping her address specific beauty challenges that might not be intuitive. She noted that she dedicates around two hours to prepare for a flight, allocating one of those hours solely to hairstyling and makeup application.

During an observed training session, Odejar outlined the essential makeup items required for female cabin crew. These include a full-coverage foundation and concealer, black mascara that should not appear clumpy, and either matte or sheen blush with glitter strictly prohibited.

When it comes to lipstick and nail colors, Qatar permits deep pinks, deep reds, and burgundy shades, while nail polish options range from nude and clear to French manicures. This choice of colors aligns with the airline's brand identity. Odejar advised crew members to select long-lasting concealers, which she referred to as bulletproof, ensuring durability throughout their shifts, and to apply powder to set their makeup.

In addition to makeup, Qatar Airways enforces a no-visible-tattoo policy, which is typical among many global airlines. However, some airlines, such as Virgin Atlantic, have relaxed their restrictions regarding visible tattoos.

Strict Hairstyles and Regulations for Male Cabin Crew

According to Haughton, acceptable hairstyles for female flight attendants dictate that their hair should be styled in a bun low enough to accommodate the uniform hat. The bun must be well-maintained and natural in color if dyed meaning no bold colors allowed. Additionally, hair nets are required to cover the bun, with a maximum of two scrunchies permitted; Haughton prefers to use two for added security.

Odejar also detailed the grooming standards for male flight attendants, emphasizing the necessity of neatly styled hair, aided by grooming products like wax or clay to achieve a polished look without appearing overly gelled. Rankovic noted that male cabin crew is allowed to have facial hair, but only in the form of a mustache. This mustache must be neatly trimmed, not extending beyond the upper lip or below the lip line, and should be fully grown before the commencement of any flight duties.

Furthermore, male crew members must present a clean-shaven face apart from their mustaches, as facial hair is frowned upon to maintain a tidy and professional appearance. In a directive from Qatar, gray hair is also prohibited and bald spots are expected to be concealed.

Uniform Standards and Accessories

Flight attendants at Qatar Airways are issued specific uniforms that include skirts, pants, blazers, and plain socks devoid of logos or patterns. While female crew members don hats, male crew members are required to wear ties as part of their formal attire.

To prepare for any unforeseen spills or mishaps during flights, all crew members are mandated to keep a spare uniform on hand. Additionally, they are provided with a separate winter jacket for assignments in colder climates. According to a Qatar grooming instructor, the only accessory allowed for male crew is a watch, while female crew are limited to a watch, simple stud earrings, and single-banded rings.

Married female flight attendants may wear wedding rings, but only if the stone is embedded to prevent safety hazards. If the stone is protruding, it poses a potential injury risk to both the attendants and passengers.

Women are also required to wear stockings that should be matte and match their skin tone. While Qatar encourages the use of perfume, they stipulate that only soft or mild fragrances are permitted to avoid overwhelming customers.

Interestingly, flight attendants are required to wear different components of their uniform depending on the flight's phase. For instance, Haughton explained that she dons a specific jacket while on the ground, such as during boarding or when navigating through airports, and changes into a blue 'dining' jacket while in service.

Each female flight attendant is also given a black handbag that can be secured with a personal passcode, a necessity due to the identical nature of the bags, which makes mix-ups common. The essential items in these bags typically include the crew-issued smartphone, a notepad, their passport, and any makeup they may need for touch-ups throughout the day.