The Miss Côte d’Ivoire pageant announced on January 28, 2025, a ban on wigs and weaves, aiming to celebrate and promote natural beauty.
This decision encourages contestants to showcase their natural hair, whether long, short, braided, or shaved, and reflects a shift toward empowering women to feel confident in their authentic selves. It marks the first time a national beauty pageant has banned the use of weaves and wigs.
The organizing committee stated that the changes are meant to emphasize natural African beauty and authenticity. Victor Yapobi, president of the committee, referenced past Miss Universe participants who won with short, natural hair.
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.
