Most airlines also require their male staff to be clean-shaven. Some companies instruct men to shave every day and use aftershave cream to prevent reactions. Men have to crop hair in a standard manner so that it does not touch the shirt collar. A leather or silver watch is allowed, but men cannot pierce their ears.

While the "clean-shaven" look was historically the absolute standard for male cabin crew, grooming policies in 2026 have become significantly more inclusive across the global aviation industry. Many major airlines now allow neatly trimmed beards and mustaches, provided they are maintained to a professional standard (often defined as being "well-defined" and not exceeding a certain length, typically around 1/4 to 1/2 inch). However, the "clean-shaven" rule still persists at several high-profile carriers, particularly in the Middle East and parts of Asia, where a smooth face is considered a hallmark of luxury service. For airlines that do allow facial hair, the "growing-in" phase (stubble) is usually strictly prohibited on duty; crew members are expected to grow their beards during vacations or time off. Additionally, some safety regulations—such as the requirement for an oxygen mask to form a perfect seal—may limit the thickness of facial hair allowed for safety-critical personnel like flight attendants.