The Ivory Coast’s national beauty pageant, Miss Côte d’Ivoire 2025, has made history by banning wigs, weaves, and all hair extensions during the competition’s preselection stages. This groundbreaking move aims to celebrate natural African beauty and authenticity, but it’s also sparked a lively debate across the pageant world.

A Bold New Rule

For the first time in its history, Miss Côte d’Ivoire requires contestants to showcase only their natural hair—whether long, short, braided, or shaved—without any enhancements. Organizers have explicitly prohibited the use of wigs, weaves, clip‑ins, or any other hair extensions during the early rounds of the competition.

Emphasizing Authenticity

Victor Yapobi, president of the Miss Côte d’Ivoire organizing committee, explained that the ban aligns with a broader global trend toward authenticity. He pointed to past Miss Universe contestants who embraced short, natural hairstyles on the world stage and argued that this rule will promote self‑acceptance and confidence among Ivorian women.

Mixed Reactions

The announcement has drawn both praise and criticism:

• Supporters celebrate the emphasis on natural hair as a powerful statement against Eurocentric beauty standards. “This encourages Black women to embrace their natural beauty,” wrote one fan on social media.
• Critics argue that while authenticity is important, the choice to wear extensions should remain personal. Some note that global pageants often allow extensions, putting Miss Côte d’Ivoire contestants at a disadvantage on the international stage.

Implications for Future Pageants

As the first African national pageant to enact such a ban, Ivory Coast could set a precedent for others in the region. Observers will be watching to see whether this approach broadens definitions of beauty or provokes pushback from contestants and sponsors accustomed to more flexible hair policies.

Looking Ahead

The Miss Côte d’Ivoire 2025 final will take place on June 26, 2025. By then, the world will have seen whether this bold movement in celebrating natural beauty resonates beyond Ivory Coast’s borders—and whether other pageants follow suit.

What do you think of this ban on fake hair in beauty contests? Share your thoughts in the comments!

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