**Empowering Beauty: Ivory Coast's Bold Move Towards Natural Hair in Pageantry**

New rules in the Miss Ivory Coast competition promote the beauty of authenticity, inspiring contestants and challenging societal norms around hair and beauty.

In a groundbreaking shift, the organizers of the Miss Ivory Coast beauty pageant have implemented new rules that prioritize natural hair over wigs and extensions. The change comes amid a growing movement to embrace authentic beauty standards in a country known for its vibrant pageantry culture. Traditionally, competitors have relied heavily on long wigs and elaborate hairstyles to impress judges and secure victories— a trend that has persisted for decades.

Marlène-Kany Kouassi, crowned Miss Ivory Coast in 2022 with her striking short natural hair, raised eyebrows as one of the few in her category to showcase such authenticity. Despite this initial step, the upcoming competition looks to take a significant leap by officially banning wigs, weaves, and hair extensions during preliminary events. "We want the candidates to be natural—whether it’s with braids or straightened hair," said Victor Yapobi, president of the Miss Ivory Coast organizing committee. "Beauty must be raw."

The decision is set against a backdrop of changing perceptions toward beauty across the globe, where Western beauty ideals have long dominated the view of what is considered attractive. The new rules intend to showcase the natural allure of the contestants while also eliminating the substantial financial burden that participation typically imposes. Entrance fees have been reduced, height requirements adjusted, and aspirants aged up to 28 can now enter, marking a genuine attempt to be more inclusive.

"This rule gives me more pride as a woman," exclaimed a contestant from Daloa. "I feel more confident being myself." The excitement surrounding the new guidelines has been palpable among many, although the ban has sparked debates about personal expression and cultural significance. Some participants expressed concern about losing the versatility and creativity that wigs provide.

Understanding the economic impact on the local hair industry, where wig sales contribute significantly to the economy—an estimated $300 million annually—the hairdressers voiced apprehensions about the ban’s implications for their livelihoods. "Many women love wigs. This will hurt our business," admitted local salon owner Ange Sea, highlighting the deeply rooted culture of wig-wearing in West Africa.

Amidst challenges, there remains a burgeoning acceptance of natural hair and a notable shift in perspective—illustrated by former pageant queens and beauty influencers leading the charge in embracing their authentic selves. Florence Edwige Nanga, a trichologist based in Abidjan, discussed the larger societal ramifications, noting that natural hair continues to be an underrepresented issue within professional environments.

While the preliminary rounds continue in various towns, the overarching question remains: Should pageants dictate beauty standards or should women have the autonomy to define their own beauty? The conversation surrounding this burgeoning movement is growing, with widespread support that signifies a significant moment for cultural pride in Ivory Coast. As the final contestants prepare for the Miss Ivory Coast 2025, all eyes will be on the potential for this initiative to reshape beauty norms within the pageant system and beyond.

For many contestants, however, the rewards extend beyond titles and crowns; it involves embracing self-identity and confidence in a society where hair dictated beauty looks like a thing of the past. "I didn’t win, but I feel proud. This is who I am," shared one hopeful contestant, emphasizing the deeper significance of personal empowerment that transcends superficial beauty standards.