Miss Côte d’Ivoire Pageant Implements Controversial Natural Hair Policy
In a significant move aimed at promoting natural beauty, the Miss Côte d’Ivoire pageant announced on January 28, 2025.
The pageant will prohibit contestants from wearing wigs and weaves in the upcoming 2025 competition.
Victor Yapo, the pageant’s organizing committee president, expressed that the intention behind this new regulation is to celebrate contestants’ natural hair, reinforcing the message of authenticity and self-acceptance.
The policy has been met with mixed reactions, particularly from previous contestants like 2022 winner Myriane Kouassi, who voiced her concerns over the implications for women who have felt pressured to conform to certain beauty ideals.
