At Sheila Raheja Institute of Hotel Management, grooming is not just about appearance; it’s a mindset. In the world of hospitality, the way you carry yourself speaks louder than words. From polished shoes to neatly combed hair, every detail matters. Our grooming standards prepare students to meet global hospitality benchmarks and make unforgettable first impressions from day one.
Importance of Grooming and Etiquette in the Hospitality Industry
Grooming and etiquette are integral to creating memorable guest experiences. Proper grooming conveys respect, cleanliness, and professionalism, while etiquette ensures smooth and courteous interactions. Together, they form the foundation of exceptional service in the hospitality industry. Whether it’s a hotel receptionist, chef, or steward, good grooming standards signal discipline, hygiene, and pride in the role. In this people-first industry, these are not optional; they’re essential.
Uniforms and Grooming Expectations for All Students
At Sheila Raheja Institute of Hotel Management (SRIHM), grooming is not a one-time instruction; it’s a daily practice. The hospitality industry is built on presentation, and our students are trained to reflect professionalism from head to toe. From personal hygiene and uniform maintenance to etiquette and communication, every detail contributes to a confident, polished presence, exactly what’s expected in five-star hotels across the world. Whether you’re preparing for a service practical or attending a guest lecture, looking professional is non-negotiable. And that starts with proper grooming.
Uniforms and grooming go hand-in-hand. At SRIHM, the uniform is a symbol of professionalism and discipline — and must be respected at all times.
Here’s what every student must follow:
- Students must be in complete college uniform during academic hours and when present on the 5th or 6th floor. This includes before, during, and after classes.
- On non-working days or visits during internships, students must be semi-formally dressed; that means no jeans, collarless T-shirts, shorts, chappals, or floaters.
- Only college-issued uniforms and accessories are allowed. Replacements must match the original outfit exactly.
- Name badges in proper condition are part of the uniform and must be worn on the left-hand side.
- A watch of a conservative design may be worn with a plain, simple face and fitted band.
- Kitchen shoes are only for food production areas.
- Uniforms must be clean, spotless, ironed, and well-maintained.
- Shirts or tops must always be buttoned up.
- Suitably coloured, non-revealing inner garments must be worn.
- Trousers must be full-length and correctly hemmed.
- Footwear must be cleaned and polished daily.
This level of discipline reflects hospitality grooming standards across top hotels and restaurants worldwide. We aim to instil that habit from day one.
Personal Grooming Guidelines for All
Professional grooming goes beyond just the uniform. Here are the personal grooming and hygiene expectations applicable to all students:
- Fingernails: Must be clean, well-shaped, and neatly trimmed.
- Chewing: Chewing gum, paan, or any similar substances is not allowed.
- Body odour: Showering daily is mandatory. Mild deodorants or antiperspirants are encouraged — but strong perfumes are to be avoided.
- Oral hygiene: Students are encouraged to carry breath fresheners and maintain fresh breath at all times.
- Hands and legs: To be regularly waxed in accordance with grooming standards for female and male students.
- Accessories: Only simple, conservative watches are allowed. No jewellery except wedding rings (only if married).
- Name badges: Must be worn correctly at all times — on the left side — and be in good condition.
Personal Grooming Guidelines for All
Professional grooming goes beyond just the uniform. Here are the personal grooming and hygiene expectations applicable to all students:
- Fingernails: Must be clean, well-shaped, and neatly trimmed.
- Chewing: Chewing gum, paan, or any similar substances is not allowed.
- Body odour: Showering daily is mandatory. Mild deodorants or antiperspirants are encouraged — but strong perfumes are to be avoided.
- Oral hygiene: Students are encouraged to carry breath fresheners and maintain fresh breath at all times.
- Hands and legs: To be regularly waxed in accordance with grooming standards for female and male students.
- Accessories: Only simple, conservative watches are allowed. No jewellery except wedding rings (only if married).
- Name badges: Must be worn correctly at all times — on the left side — and be in good condition.
Grooming Standards for Male Students
At SRIHM, grooming standards for male students reflect industry expectations across five-star hotels and luxury establishments. It’s all about clean lines, disciplined hygiene, and a gentlemanly presence.
Here’s what every male student is expected to follow:
- Hair: Must be freshly styled, neat, and well-combed. Hair should be cut short, not cover the ears, and the hairline should be above the collar. Fancy, wild, or fashionable hairstyles are strictly disallowed.
- Hair products: Moderate use of hair gels, mousses, or hairsprays is allowed; the final look must remain clean and natural.
- Beard: A daily clean shave is mandatory using a sharp razor. Beards are not permitted unless for religious reasons, and even then, they must be neatly trimmed and well-kept.
- Moustache: If worn, it must be neatly trimmed, should not extend past the corners of the mouth, and must not cover the upper lip.
- Sideburns: Must not be longer than mid-ear.
- Personal hygiene: Students must bathe daily, maintain fresh breath, keep teeth clean, and ensure a neat, fresh overall appearance at all times.
- Clothing: Only college-prescribed uniforms may be worn during academic hours. Trousers should be full-length, ironed, and well-maintained. Shirts must be wrinkle-free, buttoned up and in light formal colours.
- Belts: If not college-issued, belts must be black to match the shoes and must follow a conservative style.
- Ties: Tie design must be formal and conservative. The tip of the tie should touch the top or middle of the belt buckle.
- Socks: Plain black only, no designs or embroidery socks.
- Shoes: Must be formal, closed-toe, and polished daily. Dirty shoes with formal clothes create a poor impression.
- Nails: Should be clean, neatly trimmed, and maintained at all times.
- Perfume: A mild, pleasant-smelling perfume or deodorant is encouraged. Strong fragrances are to be avoided.
- Spectacles: If worn, must be clean and well-maintained.
- Jewellery: Not permitted, except for a wedding ring if married and a simple, conservative wristwatch.
- Tattoos: Tattoos are not allowed. If you have one, it must always be completely covered.
- Sikh students: Only black turbans are allowed; patkas are not permitted.
Grooming Standards for Female Students
For female students at SRIHM, grooming is about subtle elegance, hygiene, and presenting yourself with quiet confidence. Every element, from makeup to footwear, must reflect the decorum of the hospitality world.
Here’s what’s expected of every female student:
- Hair: Must never be streaked or coloured. Short hair should be styled away from the face and kept off the shoulders. Hair longer than shoulder length must be neatly tied in a bun or professional style. Fringes must be neat and stay above the eyebrows. A messy look is not acceptable.
- Makeup: It should be basic and tasteful. Subtle shades must be used for the eyes, cheeks, nails, and lips. Makeup must complement your uniform and skin tone, always neat, never dramatic.
- Nails: Must be clean, neatly manicured, and painted in soft, neutral tones. Bright or flashy colours are not allowed.
- Hands and legs: Should be waxed regularly as part of standard grooming protocol.
- Clothing: Must follow the college uniform code precisely. No flashy, extra, or body-hugging attire is allowed. Clothes must be ironed and well-maintained at all times.
- Footwear: Must be clean, comfortable, and closed-toe. Flats or low heels are preferred; high heels that cause discomfort should be avoided.
- Personal hygiene: Includes bathing daily, using deodorant, brushing teeth, and maintaining a fresh, pleasant smell throughout the day. Mild perfumes are encouraged; strong scents are discouraged.
- Spectacles: If worn, must be clean and smudge-free.
- Jewellery: No heavy jewellery is permitted. Only light, conservative pieces, such as a wedding ring (if married) and a simple watch, may be worn.
- Tattoos: Tattoos are not allowed. If any exist, they must always be hidden from view.
Grooming and Etiquette Training at SRIHM
At SRIHM, grooming goes hand in hand with etiquette. Our students are trained in:
- Professional posture and body language
- Greeting guests and making introductions
- Table manners and service etiquette
- Polite communication and hospitality behaviour
- Grooming and etiquette for corporate settings
Why Grooming Is Important in Hotel Industry Careers
Grooming is not just about appearance. It builds:
- Self-confidence
- Positive guest perception
- Professional habits
- Personal discipline
- Better job placement prospects
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Grooming standards in the hospitality industry refer to the professional appearance, personal hygiene, and etiquette expected of hotel and hospitality staff. This includes proper uniforms, clean and tidy grooming, well-kept hair and nails, and a polished presence that reflects discipline and professionalism.
Grooming is crucial in the hotel industry because it creates a strong first impression on guests, builds trust, and reflects the overall quality of service. Well-groomed staff are seen as more reliable, courteous, and capable, which enhances guest satisfaction and the brand image of the hotel.
Hotel management students are expected to follow strict grooming rules, including wearing the complete uniform, maintaining personal hygiene, keeping nails and hair well groomed, and avoiding flashy makeup, jewellery, or hairstyles. These rules prepare students for careers in professional hospitality environments.
Yes, male and female students have specific grooming standards based on industry expectations. Male students must be clean-shaven with neatly trimmed hair, while female students must maintain subtle makeup, tidy hairstyles, and minimal accessories. Both are required to follow hygiene and presentation guidelines consistently.
Yes, Sheila Raheja Institute of Hotel Management offers grooming and etiquette training as part of its academic curriculum. Students learn about professional appearance, body language, polite communication, and hospitality behaviour to ensure they are industry-ready from day one.
Absolutely. Students are expected to maintain grooming standards during internships just as they would on campus. This includes wearing the correct uniform, following personal hygiene guidelines, and representing the institute with professionalism in real-world hospitality settings.
Yes, grooming can significantly impact job placement. Recruiters in the hospitality industry look for candidates who present themselves professionally. Good grooming habits indicate discipline, attention to detail, and a readiness to work in high-end hotels and resorts.