Pope Francis on Monday urged hairdressers and beauticians to stop gossiping, saying they should be working in a Christian way instead.

"Practice your profession in a Christian style, treating customers with kindness and courtesy, and always offering them a good word and encouragement," he said addressing an audience in the Vatican.

The pope called for avoiding "giving in to the temptation of chatter that easily creeps into your work environment."

"Each of you, in your professional work, can always act with righteousness, thus making a positive contribution to the common good of society," Francis said.