Air India, owned by the Tata group, has issued new guidelines for the grooming of its male and female cabin crew, including a ban on wearing black and religious threads on the wrist, neck and ankles.
Among other things, the airline has informed the crew that they must not have gray hair and must dye themselves in natural tones on a regular basis.
“Religious rings with colored stones and pearls, nose studs and necklaces” and thumb rings are not allowed.
“Black and religious threads on the wrist, neck and ankles are strictly prohibited,” the guidelines said.
According to the airline, a bald look is allowed for the crew.
“Crews with receding hairlines and male bald spots need to maintain a clean shaven head/bald look. The head must be shaved daily. Crew cut is not allowed,” it added.
The airline also said that gray hair is not allowed and must be dyed a natural shade on a regular basis. “Fashion colors and Heena are not allowed”.
A request to Air India for comments on the new guidelines went unanswered.
Shortly after acquiring Air India in January this year, the Tata Group advised cabin crew to minimize jewelry to avoid flight delays.
“Cabin crew must adhere to uniform regulations, with an emphasis on the wearing of jewelry to avoid delays at customs and security checks.
“Cabin crew should not visit duty-free shops and proceed to the boarding gate soon after completing immigration and security checks,” Air India said in a circular in early February.
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