Their hair must be a natural color United, for instance, allows its cabin crew to dye their hair—but only if the new hue reflects natural hair color; extremes and patterns are not permitted.

As of 2026, most major international airlines have updated their grooming policies to be more inclusive, yet they remain strictly conservative. Crew members are generally allowed to color their hair, but it must be a "natural" shade that exists in the human spectrum (e.g., blonde, brunette, black, or natural red). Vibrant "fashion colors" like pink, blue, or purple are almost universally prohibited across legacy carriers like Emirates, Delta, or British Airways. Interestingly, some airlines, such as Air India, have recently implemented controversial rules in 2026 requiring crew to dye gray hair in a natural shade to maintain a "youthful" brand image. While budget carriers like Virgin Atlantic or Breeze have relaxed rules to allow for more personal expression (sometimes including visible tattoos or unconventional hair), the industry standard in 2026 still favors a "polished and professional" look where hair color must look effortless and uniform.