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.
