In a bold move towards embracing natural beauty, the Miss Côte d’Ivoire 2025 pageant has officially banned wigs and weaves, making it the first major beauty competition in the country to restrict contestants to their natural hair.
This decision is sparking significant conversation and has garnered both praise and controversy. By focusing on authentic beauty, the pageant is taking a stand against societal pressures and promoting self-acceptance among young women in Côte d’Ivoire.
A step toward authenticity
The decision to restrict contestants to natural hair comes from a desire to celebrate authenticity and challenge traditional beauty standards that often prioritize Eurocentric ideals.
Historically, many beauty pageants, including those in Côte d’Ivoire, have seen contestants wearing wigs, weaves, and extensions to achieve a “polished” look. However, these beauty standards can be limiting and may pressure women to conform to unnatural styles that do not reflect their true selves.
By banning wigs and weaves, Miss Côte d’Ivoire is encouraging women to embrace their natural hair texture, whether curly, coily, or straight. This move empowers contestants to take pride in their natural appearance and promotes a more inclusive definition of beauty that resonates with many Ivorian women who have often felt marginalized by the global beauty industry’s narrow standards.
A new definition of beauty
The Miss Côte d’Ivoire 2025 pageant is aligning itself with a broader movement across Africa, where more and more women are rejecting chemical treatments and artificial hairpieces in favor of embracing their natural hair.
This trend has been gaining momentum over the past decade, with many African nations celebrating the beauty of natural textures and fostering confidence among women of all hair types.
For many, the move by Miss Côte d’Ivoire is a powerful message of self-love and cultural pride. It challenges the notion that beauty must conform to a singular standard and offers a platform for women to showcase their individuality.
The impact of the change
While some critics have questioned the new rule, arguing that beauty is subjective and should not be restricted, others see it as a progressive step towards redefining beauty on the contestants’ terms. By prioritizing natural hair, Miss Côte d’Ivoire is creating a space for women to embrace their roots—literally and figuratively.
As the pageant progresses, this change is expected to spark further discussions around beauty standards and inspire future generations to embrace their authentic selves.
