The Miss Côte d’Ivoire pageant has introduced a new rule prohibiting wigs and weaves in the 2025 competition, aiming to highlight natural beauty and authenticity.
Announced on January 28, 2025, this initiative encourages contestants to embrace their natural hair, whether long, short, braided, or shaved. Victor Yapobi, the pageant’s organizing committee president, referenced past Miss Universe winners who achieved success with short natural hair, reinforcing the message of self-confidence and African identity.
The decision, partly inspired by 2022 winner Marlene Kouassi, who competed with short hair, has sparked mixed reactions. Supporters see it as a progressive step toward embracing African beauty standards, while critics argue that it restricts personal choice. Despite the debate, the competition aims to empower women to feel confident without artificial enhancements.
Beyond the new hair policy, the pageant has also adjusted its eligibility criteria. The minimum height requirement has been reduced from 1.68 meters to 1.67 meters, and the age limit has been extended from 25 to 28 years, allowing more women to participate. The Miss Côte d’Ivoire 2025 coronation is scheduled for June 26, 2025
