As the Miss Ivory Coast beauty pageant implements a wig ban, contestants express mixed feelings about the new focus on natural beauty, sparking discussions on self-confidence and cultural standards.
A Shift in Beauty Standards: Ivory Coast Bans Wigs in Pageants
A Shift in Beauty Standards: Ivory Coast Bans Wigs in Pageants
New rules for Miss Ivory Coast challenge traditional beauty norms by banning wigs and extensions, encouraging contestants to showcase their natural hair.
Long-dominant on the catwalks, long wigs and weave extensions are now out of the Miss Ivory Coast pageant with new rules that prioritize natural hair. This innovative move comes as the beauty competition seeks to shift perceptions of beauty and promote authenticity, a sentiment echoed by Marlène-Kany Kouassi, one of the few winners to don her crown with natural hair in 2022.
Ivory Coast's pageantry realm, heavily influenced by Western beauty standards, is undergoing a makeover as competition organizers, led by Victor Yapobi, champion the idea of "raw beauty.” "We want the candidates to be natural - whether with braids or straightened hair, it should be their own,” he states, emphasizing the value of authenticity.
This year's competition marks a significant pivot, with organizers banning wigs and extensions from preliminary rounds held in 13 cities and abroad. In light of rising costs, new entry criteria now allow shorter contestants and increase the maximum age limit to 28, alongside a reduced entry fee.
The ban sparked both enthusiasm and trepidation among contestants. Emmanuella Dali, voicing her support, disclosed that the rule empowers her as an African woman, revealing a new sense of pride in her natural self. Many contestants, however, felt the changes curtail personal expression and their preferred styles.
While these natural beauty initiatives could reshape cultural standards, they risk impacting the thriving hair industry in Ivory Coast, worth over $300 million. Local hairdresser Ange Sea expressed concern that the ban may harm business, given women's affinity for wigs and extensions.
As preliminary rounds unfold, this movement has instigated broader debates about beauty norms beyond pageants. Pageant president Yapobi remains optimistic about the feedback received so far, and his objective is clear: to celebrate the natural beauty of Ivorian women.
The 2025 Miss Ivory Coast grand finale scheduled for June poses questions about whether the newly established wig ban will hold through to the finals. For many, this change fosters a fresh narrative about self-love and the shifting beauty ideals in Ivory Coast and potentially across West Africa.
