Miss Côte d’Ivoire bans wigs to promote natural beauty

The Miss Côte d’Ivoire pageant announced on January 28, 2025, a ban on wigs and weaves to celebrate and promote natural beauty.

Contestants must now showcase their natural hair, whether long, short, braided, or shaved.

This policy marks the first time a national beauty pageant has prohibited wigs and weaves, reflecting a shift toward embracing authenticity. The organizing committee emphasized that the change aims to highlight natural African beauty and self-confidence.

Victor Yapobi, the committee’s president, cited past Miss Universe winners who triumphed with short, natural hair as inspiration.

Côte d’Ivoire becomes the first country to introduce such measures in a national beauty competition.

The decision was also influenced by Marlene Kouassi, Miss Côte d’Ivoire 2022, who participated in the pageant with short hair.

The new rule has sparked mixed reactions, with some praising Africa for setting its own standards, while others view it as a means of oppressing Black women.

Additional adjustments to the pageant include lowering the minimum height requirement from 1.68 meters to 1.67 meters and raising the age limit from 25 to 28 years.

The Miss Côte d’Ivoire 2025 crowning will take place on June 26, 2025.