By: Chioma Madonna Ndukwu
The Miss Côte d’Ivoire pageant has made a bold move by banning wigs and weaves, a decision that aims to celebrate natural beauty.
“We want contestants to embrace their authentic selves and showcase their natural hair,” said Victor Yapobi, president of the organizing committee.
This landmark change marks the first time a national beauty pageant has eliminated artificial hair enhancements.
Contestants will now be judged on their natural hair, whether it’s long, short, braided, or shaved.
The committee emphasized that this change is to highlight “natural African beauty and authenticity,” with Yapobi citing past Miss Universe winners who sported short, natural hair as examples.
The decision was also inspired by Marlene Kouassi, Miss Côte d’Ivoire 2022, who competed with a short hairstyle.
“It’s about empowering women to feel confident in their own skin,” Kouassi said. While many view this as Africa setting its own standards, others feel it could oppress black women.
Additional changes to the pageant include adjusting the minimum height requirement from 1.68 meters to 1.67 meters and extending the age limit from 25 to 28 years. The crowning of Miss Côte d’Ivoire 2025 will take place on June 26, 2025.
Miss Côte d’Ivoire Organizers Ban Wigs and Weaves to Promote Natural Beauty
The Miss Côte d’Ivoire pageant has made a bold move by banning wigs and weaves, a decision announced on January 28, 2025, that aims to celebrate natural beauty.
“We want contestants to embrace their authentic selves and showcase their natural hair,” said Victor Yapobi, president of the organizing committee.
This landmark change marks the first time a national beauty pageant has eliminated artificial hair enhancements.
Contestants will now be judged on their natural hair, whether it’s long, short, braided, or shaved.
The committee emphasized that this change is to highlight “natural African beauty and authenticity,” with Yapobi citing past Miss Universe winners who sported short, natural hair as examples.
The decision was also inspired by Marlene Kouassi, Miss Côte d’Ivoire 2022, who competed with a short hairstyle.
“It’s about empowering women to feel confident in their own skin,” Kouassi said. While many view this as Africa setting its own standards, others feel it could oppress black women.
Additional changes to the pageant include adjusting the minimum height requirement from 1.68 meters to 1.67 meters and extending the age limit from 25 to 28 years. The crowning of Miss Côte d’Ivoire 2025 will take place on June 26, 2025.
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