Looks like an end to wigs, weaves and hair extensions is near in Côte d’Ivoire’s beauty pageants. But is this rule a celebration of natural beauty or creative restriction?
The Miss Côte d’Ivoire 2025 beauty pageant has banned the use of weaves, wigs, and hair extensions, making it the first pageant to do so. According to the organisers, this groundbreaking rule aims at celebrating natural African beauty and authenticity, promoting a more realistic and inclusive definition of beauty.
Victor Yapobi, president of the organising committee, pointed out that previous Miss Universe contestants have confidently showcased their natural hair on international stages. Inspired by such examples, Côte d’Ivoire has become the first country to enforce this rule at a national level.
The pageant’s decision seeks to encourage contestants to showcase their natural hair, whether long, short, braided, or shaved. This move is expected to redefine beauty standards and inspire African women worldwide to embrace their natural hairstyles and feel proud of their identity.
A brewing debate on the ban
The decision to ban wigs and weaves in pageantry has sparked a heated debate. While some have praised the initiative, others expressed strong opposition to the new rule. On one hand, this move can be seen as a celebration of natural African beauty, and hair. By promoting natural hair, the pageant encourages contestants to embrace their unique features and reject societal pressure to conform to traditional beauty standards.
On the other hand, the ban raises concerns that it restricts women’s autonomy and freedom of expression. By dictating how contestants should wear their hair, the pageant may be limiting their creativity and individuality. Moreover, the ban’s emphasis on promoting “authenticity” is problematic, as it fails to provide a clear definition of what “authenticity” means in this context.
This ambiguity leaves room for interpretation, potentially perpetuating harmful stereotypes that African women who choose to wear wigs, weaves, or extensions are somehow “inauthentic” or “fake.” This narrative undermines the agency and self-expression of women who wear these hairstyles, implying that their choices are not valid or authentic.
Ultimately, the decision to ban weaves, wigs, and hair extensions is a complex issue with both positive and negative aspects. While it promotes natural beauty and authenticity, it may also restrict contestants’ freedom of expression. As the beauty pageant industry continues to evolve, it’s essential to consider the impact of such rules on contestants and society as a whole.
