In brief
The Miss Ivory Coast beauty pageant has introduced groundbreaking rules banning wigs and extensions, encouraging contestants to showcase their natural hair. This shift symbolizes a broader change in perceptions of beauty, but it also raises concerns for the thriving hair industry in the region.
Long, flowing wigs and stylish weave extensions have long dominated beauty pageants in Ivory Coast, representing Western beauty ideals. However, the Miss Ivory Coast competition is now setting a new tone by banning these hair enhancements right from its preliminary rounds. For the first time in over six decades, the focus will shift to natural hair, a move led by Victor Yapobi, the president of the organizing committee. Marlène-Kany Kouassi's win with her short natural hair back in 2022 marked a rare deviation from the norm, and it has inspired a quest for authenticity among contestants. The new regulations not only disallow wigs and weaves but also adjust competition criteria, including lowering entry fees and increasing height and age limits for participants.This radical shift resonates with contestants like Emmanuella Dali, who expressed newfound pride in embracing her natural beauty. However, it has sparked a discussion on personal expression among some participants who cherish the versatility and creativity that wigs provide. While the move to celebrate natural beauty has received applause from many, it poses economic challenges for the bustling hair industry in Ivory Coast, valued at over $300 million.Some contestants and industry professionals worry about the impact of these new rules on their livelihoods. As discussions around beauty standards evolve, the future of hair culture in Ivory Coast stands at a crossroads: a celebration of natural beauty or a return to glamorous wigs and extensions. As preparations continue for the Miss Ivory Coast 2025, the implications of these changes could set a precedent for beauty pageants worldwide.
