Flight attendants are known for many things – their safety training expertise, emergency exit gestures and stellar service – but top of the list is their perfect presentation. TOAD found out how they do it.
TOAD met with the style and image team at Etihad headquarters to find out how they keep their staff looking so immaculate.
In the initial training of Etihad Airways staff, all cabin crew – around 4,200 staff at the moment, with 5,000 expected by the end of the year – are required to complete a comprehensive six-and-a-half week safety, service and style & image course.
Part of the training takes place in the Style and Image Suite, a salon which is used during their two-day Style and Image Workshop. We met Etihad Airways’s vice president of guest services Aubrey Tiedt, the airline’s style & image trainer Foo Siang Ling, and performance manager of style & image, Shereen Maraie, at Etihad Airways, to learn about how to look like the Etihad Airways cabin crew team.
Aubrey says, ‘We work very closely with the team on style and image, giving them all the support, guidance and training necessary to carry out a very demanding and multi-faceted role. It is crucial for our cabin crew to look their best as they are key brand ambassadors in the truest sense. Their poise, style and professionalism showcases their attention to detail. When you look good, you feel good, and naturally when our team feels good, we know they will provide remarkable hospitality.’
On the first day of the Etihad Airways training academy’s Style and Image Workshop, trainees learn why they need to maintain the highest standard of presentation when in the uniform. The trainees are then taken through skin care – what they need to do to ensure a clear and healthy complexion. The next day is a spent in practical workshops in order to educate trainees on hair and makeup styles.
Shereen explains, ‘We ask everyone to come in wearing their usual daytime make-up so we can assess and guide them should they need improving. We work through skin care regimes and makeup application to ensure each cabin crew member is confident in application and maintenance.’
The hair
Ling tells us about the exacting requirements of the haird styles – they must be up and out of the face for health and safety reasons. Etihad cabin crew can not have any loose hair. The school gives the trainees a demonstration of a hairstyle and then they are required to attempt them themselves. There are a variety of styles that the participants are taught to do in order to look great at all time; Ling demonstrates two.
Ling shows us a French twist style, where she fixes the hair with a band and then proceeds to twist the hair over the band and fix it with a clip – pushing the hair upwards and around. ‘Detail is important here,’ Aubrey explains, as Ling delicately combs the hair to be completely flat.
She also shows us a stylish bun, which you can try yourself, see our step-by-step guide.
Men’s hair always needs to be short and neat; hair cannot be longer than 5cms, and they must be clean-shaven at all times, ensuring perfect presentation.
The make-up
All Etihad Airways ladies are required to maintain a consistent look and Etihad has established a trademark red lip. Ling explains, ‘We always start with a lip-liner, and then make sure we blot the colour. It’s also far better to use a matte shade as this will last longer than a glossy style.’
The eye make-up is understated to not clash with the lips. www.etihad.com (02 599 0000).
DIY hair style
Untamable hair? Try this quick and effective Etihad Airways-approved style
1- Firstly, pull your hair back into a neat ponytail. Use a comb to smooth flyaway hair and fix the hair with a band
2- Next, place a hair doughnut around the ponytail, at the base of the band
3- Comb through the ponytail hair to make it smooth and then tilt head forward. Spread the hair over the top of the doughnut
4- Fix a thin black elastic band around your hair to hold it around the bun
5- Gently pull the loose hair into four strands to wind around the base of the bun, then pin in place
6- Finish with a black satin ribbon around the base
Get the knowledge
Not sure where to begin?
Bobbi Brown offer make-up lessons in their stores – you can go alone or take some friends. From 45mins to an hour.
Dhs390, Abu Dhabi Mall (02 677 4812).
Mac Cosmetics offer comprehensive one-and-half-hour make-up tutorials.
Dhs500, Al Wahda Mall (02 695 4870).
It’s all about the details
TOAD asked Aubrey to critique us, to find out what work we’d need to get the Etihad Airways look
Hair Flyaways (stray hairs) can be really challenging, particularly with thick hair. It can look very untidy, but hairspray combats it.
Nails Etihad Airways require cabin crew to only use natural colours on their nails, keep nails presentable and a reasonable length.
Make-up Obviously, the red lipstick needs to be applied – this is uniform across the board.
Uniform The uniform, from the hat to the shoes, needs to be presentable and in good condition.
Overall, Aubrey explains, ‘We want to present a clean, polished, sophisticated look. We want our staff to look and feel good, and our guests to know they are being looked after.’
