Marlène-Kany Kouassi made history as one of only two winners of the Miss Ivory Coast title in 60 years, representing natural hair in a beauty contest traditionally dominated by wigs and extensions. This shift towards promoting natural beauty in the competition aligns with changes made by the organizers, who have banned wigs and hair extensions from the preliminary rounds in an effort to highlight contestants’ authentic looks. The new rules, which also allow for shorter contestants and reduced entry fees, aim to redefine standards of beauty and empower African women.
While some contestants embrace the opportunity to showcase their natural hair with pride, others express concerns about losing personal expression and the impact of these rules on the flourishing wig industry in West Africa. The debate continues over beauty standards and the role of pageants in influencing perceptions of beauty. Organizers have received widespread praise for returning to their cultural roots, and there is optimism about the future of these initiatives. The final Miss Ivory Coast competition will take place in June, where the implications of these changes will be further assessed.
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