Air India bans blonde hair, balding men and wigs on all flights

The guidelines go into detail about what is and isn’t allowed when it comes to crew members’ appearance going forward.

One style point notes that while the “bald look is permitted,” men with deep receding hairlines or bald patches will be required to shave their heads daily. Crew cuts are also barred.

Now part of the Tata Sons empire, after years of taxpayer-funded bailouts, Air India is also making it mandatory for female cabin crew to wear earrings – but only gold or diamond-studded ones in a round shape. No pearls.

Women aren’t allowed top knots or buns at the nape of the neck, and all bobby pins used must be the same size and type, the rules state.

Air India guidelines:

• Ties must touch the centre of the belt buckle
• Use of hair gel and spray is “mandatory”
• Grey hair must be regularly colored in a natural shade
• For women, blonde hair is a no go, and streaking is “strictly not permitted”
• No wigs and sunglasses when in uniform
• Even for layovers or hotel stays, cabin crew can’t wear torn jeans, “revealing” clothes or slippers and flip flops

Representatives for Air India and Tata Group didn’t immediately respond to requests for comment.

Air India’s requirements are eyebrow-raising at a time when airlines are relaxing rules around crew uniforms amid a post-pandemic shortage of staff.

Many carriers have long dispensed with requirements around weight and attractiveness that used to be pervasive in the industry, especially for women.

Tight controls aren’t unprecedented, though, especially in Asia. Singapore Airlines is well known for its exacting standards on crew appearance, yet recently eased rules around staff pregnancies.

Air India was forced to reinstate three flight attendants it had fired for being “overweight” in 2014 following a court order.

Following the new passport rules in the UAE, Air India has also issued new guidance for passengers.