In a bold move reflecting changing societal standards, the prestigious Miss Ivory Coast beauty pageant is shaking up its traditional norms by banning wigs, weaves, and hair extensions from preliminary rounds. Contestants will now be required to display their natural hair, a decision that aims to celebrate and empower the authenticity of African beauty.
For decades, beauty pageants in Ivory Coast, as in many parts of West Africa, have been dominated by the use of elaborate hairstyles often fashioned from wigs and extensions. This trend has not only defined contestants' looks but has also imposed significant financial burdens, as women have invested heavily in their appearances. The Miss Ivory Coast competition had only two winners who opted for natural hairstyles in over sixty years—most recently, Marlène-Kany Kouassi, who donned her natural hair in 2022 to claim the crown.
Victor Yapobi, president of the organizing committee, expressed the competition’s intent to shift perceptions of beauty, stating, "We want the candidates to be natural... Beauty must be raw." Alongside the hair rule, other adjustments include raising the age limit for contestants to 28 and lowering the entry fee, which supports broader participation.
Responses to the new regulations vary among contestants. Emmanuella Dali, a 21-year-old competitor, expressed joy over the rule, feeling it better represents her African identity. However, concerns have been raised among beauty professionals. Ange Sea, a local hairdresser, fears that the ban will significantly affect her business, highlighting the deep cultural significance and popularity of wigs in the region.
While many contestants initially viewed their hair as a canvas for creativity, the move has prompted introspection about their definitions of beauty. Some competitors have embraced the rule, feeling more confident in their natural appearance. Still, the ban has ignited discussions regarding personal expression in fashion and what it means to be beautiful in contemporary society.
The guidelines are not without their controversies. The beauty industry in Ivory Coast, valued at over $300 million, relies heavily on wigs and beauty enhancements, posing potential economic implications as the pageant seeks to influence beauty norms.
Despite the challenges that lie ahead, the feedback on the new rules has been overwhelmingly positive. Yapobi notes the support from both local and international audiences, suggesting a tipping point for more diverse expressions of beauty. As contestants embark on this journey of self-acceptance, there remains hope that the changes will inspire a broader acceptance of natural hair and beauty, reflecting the true essence of African womanhood.
The Miss Ivory Coast pageant will culminate in a grand finale in June 2025 in Abidjan, where the impact of these changes will become even clearer. For many competitors like Dalia, regardless of victory, the experience holds intrinsic value in fostering self-acceptance and pride in their heritage.
For decades, beauty pageants in Ivory Coast, as in many parts of West Africa, have been dominated by the use of elaborate hairstyles often fashioned from wigs and extensions. This trend has not only defined contestants' looks but has also imposed significant financial burdens, as women have invested heavily in their appearances. The Miss Ivory Coast competition had only two winners who opted for natural hairstyles in over sixty years—most recently, Marlène-Kany Kouassi, who donned her natural hair in 2022 to claim the crown.
Victor Yapobi, president of the organizing committee, expressed the competition’s intent to shift perceptions of beauty, stating, "We want the candidates to be natural... Beauty must be raw." Alongside the hair rule, other adjustments include raising the age limit for contestants to 28 and lowering the entry fee, which supports broader participation.
Responses to the new regulations vary among contestants. Emmanuella Dali, a 21-year-old competitor, expressed joy over the rule, feeling it better represents her African identity. However, concerns have been raised among beauty professionals. Ange Sea, a local hairdresser, fears that the ban will significantly affect her business, highlighting the deep cultural significance and popularity of wigs in the region.
While many contestants initially viewed their hair as a canvas for creativity, the move has prompted introspection about their definitions of beauty. Some competitors have embraced the rule, feeling more confident in their natural appearance. Still, the ban has ignited discussions regarding personal expression in fashion and what it means to be beautiful in contemporary society.
The guidelines are not without their controversies. The beauty industry in Ivory Coast, valued at over $300 million, relies heavily on wigs and beauty enhancements, posing potential economic implications as the pageant seeks to influence beauty norms.
Despite the challenges that lie ahead, the feedback on the new rules has been overwhelmingly positive. Yapobi notes the support from both local and international audiences, suggesting a tipping point for more diverse expressions of beauty. As contestants embark on this journey of self-acceptance, there remains hope that the changes will inspire a broader acceptance of natural hair and beauty, reflecting the true essence of African womanhood.
The Miss Ivory Coast pageant will culminate in a grand finale in June 2025 in Abidjan, where the impact of these changes will become even clearer. For many competitors like Dalia, regardless of victory, the experience holds intrinsic value in fostering self-acceptance and pride in their heritage.
