As of 2026, the policy on beards for cabin crew has become significantly more progressive, though it still varies by airline. Historically, beards were banned due to concerns that they would prevent a proper seal on emergency oxygen masks. However, many major carriers like British Airways, United, and Lufthansa now allow neatly trimmed, professional-looking beards, usually with a length limit of 1–2 cm. The "growth phase" is the strictest part; many airlines require you to grow the beard during your time off so you don't appear "unshaven" on duty. In contrast, "legacy" Middle Eastern carriers like Emirates and Qatar Airways generally still maintain a strict clean-shaven requirement for male flight attendants to project a specific uniform brand image. Low-cost carriers like Ryanair also lean toward clean-shaven or very minimal facial hair. If beards are allowed, they must be "full" (no patches) and have defined edges at the cheek and neck. Always check the specific "Grooming and Appearance" manual for your airline, as even those that allow beards may ban "faddish" styles like goatees or long mustaches.