Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire – The Miss Côte d’Ivoire beauty pageant has introduced a groundbreaking new rule banning wigs and weaves in its 2025 competition. The move aims to promote natural beauty and authenticity among contestants, encouraging them to embrace their natural hair, whether long, short, braided, or shaved.
The announcement, made on January 28, 2025, was confirmed by Victor Yapobi, the president of the pageant’s organizing committee. He cited past Miss Universe winners who achieved success with short, natural hair as inspiration for the decision. The policy is intended to reinforce self-confidence and celebrate African identity.
The new rule was influenced in part by the 2022 Miss Côte d’Ivoire winner, Marlene Kouassi, who competed with short hair. Her success challenged traditional beauty standards and sparked conversations about embracing natural African beauty. However, the ban on wigs and weaves has sparked mixed reactions. While some supporters see it as a positive step toward redefining African beauty standards, critics argue that it restricts personal choice and self-expression.
In addition to the hair policy, the pageant has revised its eligibility criteria. The minimum height requirement has been lowered from 1.68 meters to 1.67 meters, and the maximum age limit has been extended from 25 to 28 years. These changes aim to make the competition more inclusive and accessible to a broader range of women.
The Miss Côte d’Ivoire 2025 coronation is scheduled to take place on June 26, 2025. As the debate over the new regulations continues, the competition remains committed to empowering women and redefining beauty beyond artificial enhancements.
