In a surprising and bold shift, the Miss Côte d’Ivoire 2025 beauty pageant has announced a ban on weaves, wigs, and any other hair extensions during the preselection stages of the competition. This means contestants will have to showcase their natural hair—whether long, short, braided, or even shaved.
The decision, according to the pageant’s organizing committee, is aimed at celebrating natural African beauty and encouraging authenticity among participants. By removing artificial enhancements from the equation, the pageant hopes to promote self-acceptance and confidence, reinforcing the idea that beauty isn’t tied to external modifications.
A Shift Towards Authenticity
Victor Yapobi, president of the organizing committee, emphasized that this change aligns with a global trend toward authenticity and self-love. He pointed to past contestants in Miss Universe who confidently showcased their short natural hair on the international stage. Yapobi also credited Marlene Kouassi, Miss Côte d’Ivoire 2022, as a key inspiration for the change. Kouassi entered and won the competition while sporting short natural hair, proving that confidence and elegance don’t require long flowing locks.
Other Changes to the Pageant
In addition to the ban on wigs and weaves, the pageant has also made adjustments to its contestant requirements:
✔️ The minimum height requirement has been lowered from 5 feet 6 inches to 5 feet 5 ½ inches.
✔️ The maximum age limit has been increased from 25 to 28 years.
These modifications aim to broaden inclusivity and give more women the opportunity to compete.
Public Reactions: Celebration or Controversy?
The move has sparked mixed reactions. Many are praising the pageant for challenging European beauty standardsand encouraging African women to embrace their natural hair. Supporters argue that this shift will inspire young girlsto feel confident in their natural beauty without societal pressure to conform to artificial standards.
However, others see the rule as restrictive rather than empowering, questioning why a woman’s choice of hairstyle should determine her eligibility for a beauty competition. Some argue that self-expression should be about personal choice, and excluding certain hairstyles contradicts the very idea of promoting confidence and self-love.
A Step Towards Redefining Beauty?
Beauty pageants worldwide are evolving to reflect modern ideals, and Miss Côte d’Ivoire’s bold decision signals a larger movement towards redefining beauty. Whether it will set a new precedent for African pageantry or spark further debate remains to be seen. One thing, however, is clear—Miss Côte d’Ivoire 2025 will be a celebration of natural beauty in its purest form.