Wigs and weaves have been prohibited for Miss Cote d’Ivoire.

The prohibition was announced on January 28, 2025.

According to the organsing committee, the drastic change is meant to project natural African beauty and authenticity, disabusing contestants of dependence on superfluous beauty enhancements that set unrealistic beauty standards for Africans.

The decision was buttressed by Marlene Kouassi, Miss Cote d’Ivoire 2022, who contested and won with short natural hair. 

Victor Yapobi, the president of the organising committee, cited Miss Universe participants who contested and won with short natural hair, also.

| Miss Universe 2019, Zozibini Tunzi (South Africa), decided against friends' advise to wear her natural hair, making history in the process 

The ban on wigs and weaves is historic as Cote d’Ivoire becomes the first African country with such measures for a national competition.

The minimum height requirement adjusted from 1.68 meters to 1.67 meters, and the age limit extended from 25 years to 28 years, are two other reviews for Miss Cote d'Ivoire.

Miss Cote d’Ivoire 2025 will be crowned on June 26, 2025.