Details of the dress code 

Hair
Hair must be neat and tidy. Students in clinical areas must not have hair untied if it is below collar length, and it should be tied back. Hair ornaments such as beads, large hair slides and combs should only be worn to keep hair tidy and off the collar. Beards and moustaches are permitted but must be trimmed and neat or rolled and tucked.

Head Coverings
Head coverings/turban and skull caps may be worn for religious reasons. All head garments must be clean, washed and changed daily and secured without loose ends. The wearing of facial veils during clinics is not permitted. 

Cosmetics / Toiletries/ Odours
Discrete cosmetic makeup and perfume/aftershave are permitted. Students are expected to keep their clothing fresh and free from odours.

Tattoos
All tattoos must be covered wherever possible.

Nails
Fingernails must be short and clean. Nail jewellery or false nails (including nail extensions) must not be worn in clinical care environments. Nail varnish is not permitted for students working in clinical areas.

Jewellery
In clinical areas the only permitted jewellery is one plain band ring and one pair of ear studs or a compulsory religious item e.g. the Sikh bangle (or kara). Modest visible body piercings are allowable. 

General Clothing
In general, clothing falling under this code requires students to wear smart shoes (no trainers) which cover the toes, and smart clothing underneath a white tunic; the tunic should be clean and ironed. Students should maintain a degree of modesty by ensuring that underwear is not visible above trouser tops; that tops and blouses cover the stomach, and there is no visible cleavage.

The following items of clothing are unacceptable:

• skin tight clothing
• short skirts and shorts (remember that skirts ride up when sitting down)
• crop tops
• frayed or torn clothing
• jeans
• T-shirts with written slogans
• excessively high heeled shoes/boots i.e. above 10cm
• excessive jewellery
• trainers

When neck ties are worn, they must be secured or removed when delivering clinical care. For Paediatrics and Low Vision, the above guidance applies, but white tunics should not be worn.

Name badges
Name badges must be worn at all times in clinical areas.