The Miss Côte d'Ivoire 2025 beauty pageant has made a significant change to its competition rules.
Contestants are now required to wear their natural hair during the pre-selection stages, with the use of wigs, weaves, and other hair extensions strictly prohibited.
The organising committee has explained that this new rule is designed to highlight and celebrate natural African beauty, encouraging contestants to embrace their authenticity.
Victor Yapobi, the President of the Miss Côte d'Ivoire Committee, said that the decision to ban hair extensions is part of a broader effort to promote self-acceptance and confidence among participants.
This initiative follows the example of Marlène-Kany Kouassi, who was crowned Miss Côte d'Ivoire in 2022 while sporting short hair.
Kouassi's decision to go natural sparked a conversation about the importance of embracing one's true self, and it seems to have played a role in shaping the pageant's new direction.
Alongside the hair requirement, the pageant has introduced a set of other criteria to ensure that contestants are not only physically beautiful but also possess qualities that align with the pageant's values.
To enter Miss Côte d'Ivoire 2025, participants must be Ivorian nationals, stand at least 1.67m tall without shoes, and be between the ages of 18 and 28.
Contestants must also have a natural complexion and be single, without children, and never have given birth. In addition to meeting these physical requirements, participants must hold at least a high school diploma (BAC) and be in full possession of their physical and mental faculties.
Another key requirement is the ability to express oneself well, with good morals and manners. These criteria are in line with the pageant's goal of promoting women who not only embody natural beauty but also demonstrate intelligence, self-respect, and poise.
The decision has sparked excitement and praise, with many praising the committee for promoting self-expression and rejecting Western beauty standards that often overshadow African features.
Miles Malaba, commenting on Facebook, expressed his approval, writing: "Wigs are an ulcer to the true standards of African beauty, which is why those who wear their hair are undoubtedly a cut above the rest."
Fiona Ewi also supported the rule change, saying, "That's a great idea, we want to appreciate the African queens in all their splendor."
Murphy Philips shared his thoughts, saying, "That's a lovely decision. African Afro, braids, and cornrows are some of the most beautiful hairstyles in history. Wigs are just a status symbol for ladies to show financial prowess and never beautiful."
Cleopas Mahlatini added, "We are moving towards self-realisation... cornrows and braiding and plain cuts, the way to go, not Peruvian hair on an African lady."
The decision also seems to reflect a larger movement in the fashion and beauty world. Renowned model Alek Wek once made a bold statement during Betsey Johnson’s FW 1998 show when she removed her blonde wig, protesting the beauty standards that favoured light skin and straight hair.
Wek, who is known for her natural look, used the moment to show that Black models should not be treated as temporary or secondary, but should be celebrated for their true beauty.
Similarly, in 2024, Miss Grand France, Safietou Kabengele, made waves by throwing away her wig during her swimwear walk, adding to the conversation about embracing natural hair and rejecting imposed beauty standards.
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