In a move that has sparked significant discussion across the global beauty and fashion communities, Ivory Coast (Côte d'Ivoire) has officially banned wigs and weaves from its national beauty pageants. The decision was announced by the country's Ministry of Culture and Francophonie in early 2025, sending a clear message about the celebration of natural beauty and the importance of cultural authenticity.

The ban has already ignited debates about beauty standards, self-expression, and the role of hair in defining identity. As the first African country to implement such a policy in beauty contests, Ivory Coast is leading a conversation that might inspire similar actions across the continent and beyond.

Why the Ban?

The primary reason behind the ban, according to Ivorian authorities, is to encourage contestants to embrace their natural hair textures, which have often been overshadowed by European beauty standards in many pageant systems. In many African countries, including Ivory Coast, there is a long-standing tradition of wearing wigs and weaves, often seen as symbols of prestige or an attempt to align with global beauty ideals that prioritize straight, long hair.

However, the growing push for inclusivity and authenticity in the global beauty industry has led to a movement toward celebrating natural hair. For many African women, hair is a deeply personal and political subject, tied to history, culture, and self-identity. The government’s decision is seen as a step toward reclaiming that identity and reinforcing pride in natural beauty.

A Cultural Shift

For decades, beauty pageants around the world have often been criticized for promoting a narrow standard of beauty, one that has predominantly favored Eurocentric features. This has extended to hairstyles, where curly, kinky, and afro-textured hair has been deemed less desirable than straight hair. In the context of Ivory Coast, where many people have tightly coiled hair, the pressure to conform to these beauty standards has been particularly strong.

The ban on wigs and weaves is seen as a way to challenge these global norms. By mandating contestants to showcase their natural hair, the government aims to promote diversity, body positivity, and self-acceptance among Ivorian women. It's also a powerful reminder that beauty is not confined to a specific hair type but is rather a reflection of one’s individuality and cultural heritage.

The Reaction

The ban has not been without its critics. Some argue that beauty pageants are a platform for self-expression, and banning wigs and weaves limits contestants’ freedom to present themselves as they wish. They contend that pageants should focus on a contestant’s overall persona, intellect, and talent, rather than enforcing arbitrary beauty standards tied to natural hair.

On the other hand, supporters of the ban argue that it is long overdue. Many feel that it is time to move away from the expectation that women must adhere to Eurocentric ideals of beauty to succeed. Advocates for natural hair have been championing this cause for years, with movements like the "Natural Hair Movement" gaining momentum in Africa and across the globe. For them, this ban is a victory for self-love, cultural pride, and the representation of African women in their most authentic form.

The Future of Beauty Pageants in Ivory Coast

It remains to be seen whether other countries in Africa or elsewhere will follow Ivory Coast’s lead. However, this decision is part of a larger trend in which the beauty industry is being urged to be more inclusive, recognizing and celebrating all hair textures, skin tones, and features. In recent years, many major beauty brands and platforms have started to embrace natural hair, with more models and pageant winners proudly sporting their afros, braids, and curls.

As Ivory Coast’s beauty pageant scene adapts to this new reality, it will be interesting to see how this ban influences future competitions and how it impacts contestants. Will it inspire a wave of natural beauty advocates or lead to a rebellion against perceived limitations on self-expression? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the conversation about beauty standards and the role of hair in defining beauty is far from over.

Conclusion

Ivory Coast's decision to ban wigs and weaves in beauty pageants is not just about a change in pageant rules; it's a bold stand against centuries of beauty standards that have often excluded natural African beauty. By promoting natural hair, the country is sending a message that beauty is diverse, multifaceted, and uniquely tied to one's cultural heritage. This shift could be the start of a broader global movement that challenges long-standing norms and celebrates women in all their authentic glory.

 

Hair Growth Cycle Source

Hair Growth Cycle

It may surprise you that a single strand of hair grows for about five years at an average rate of 1cm per month! This is followed by a relatively short rest period, usually a few months, when the hair is no longer growing. At the end of this rest period, the hair is shed and replaced by new hair. This is known as the hair growth cycle.

The average person – both male and female – has 100,000 hairs. Approximately 100 of these hairs are shed each day as part of the hair growth cycle. Similarly, 100 new hairs commence growing each day, resulting in a constant head of hair. Hair shed in this way is natural and is no cause for concern.

Problem Hair Loss

Problem hair loss occurs when either more than 100 hairs are shed each day or when the 100 hairs that are shed naturally each day are not replaced by new hairs. In both instances, hair loss exceeds hair growth, and if left unchecked, will eventually lead to thinning hair.

Genetic Hair Loss vs Behavioural Hair Loss

Genetic hair loss, also referred to as hereditary hair loss, is a natural condition caused by a combination of factors, including genetics, hormone levels, and the ageing process. Almost all men and women will notice this natural form of hair loss or hair thinning as they age.

Behavioural hair loss refers to hair loss and thinning as a result of behavioural factors such as stress, dietary deficiencies, illness, the side effects of medication, and the over-processing of hair. In such instances, the hair’s functioning has been temporarily impaired. 

Causes of Behavioural Hair Loss

Stress

Up to 70% of hair can be shed after a major stress episode. Stress can cause nutritional deficiencies, which in turn starve hair of nutrients, halting hair growth.

Environmental Pollution

Environmental pollution places extra stress on your hair and scalp. Pollutants on the scalp may result in an unhealthy scalp environment. The build-up of debris could block follicles, resulting in thinner hair.

Dietary Deficiencies

Certain vitamins and minerals are essential for hair growth. Although these nutrients do occur naturally in various foods, poor eating habits often result in deficiencies that can disrupt the normal hair growth cycle.

Medication

Some medications can cause either decreased absorption or decreased availability of the nutrients necessary for normal hair growth, which can result in abnormal thinning of hair density.

Illnesses

Many infections or illnesses may result in a decreased availability of nutrients essential for normal hair growth. This may result in a decrease in hair density.

Over-Processed Hair

The over-processing of hair utilizing perming, straightening, bleaching, and dying, which usually involve the use of harsh chemicals, can lead to extensive hair damage.

Leave a comment below and let us know if you have a better understanding of hair loss and the many factors that may lead to it.

Anyone who follows this site knows that I have no issue wearing a sew-in weave, especially now that we are moving away from unrealistic lace-front wigs. There is honestly nothing worse than a weave that doesn't move and has a ton of new growth and visible tracks. I will stop you in the streets to tell you about the atrocity off the top of your head. Have several seats!

Today, I'm going to break down 3 serums I believe everyone should keep in their skincare arsenal. Serums don't need to be intimidating if you understand their purpose and what works for your skin.

Retinol

Vitamin C Serum

AHA/BHA Serum

 

Jennifer Lopez was so gracious enough to walk Vogue through her luminous makeup routine called "Lightbulb" contouring. Chile, watch the video and let us know in the comment section below if you would give it a go.

What Is Flaxseed?

 

I wish you a healthy, prosperous, and loving 2023.

 

 

2 April is International Children's Book Day, a time to inspire a love of reading and to call attention to children's books. Today, I would like to highlight a few children's books about celebrating Black Afro-textured hair. Help your children love to read by picking up one or more of these books today!

“The most disrespected person in America is the Black woman.

The most unprotected person in America is the Black woman. 

The most neglected person in America is the Black woman.”

—Malcolm X

Black Americans say they are often treated unfairly at work and in schools because of their natural hair textures or protective styles like braids, knots, twists, and locs.

Well, well, well...this sounds just like South Africa!

A ban on race-based hair discrimination in the United States is a step closer after a vote in Congress. The House of Representatives passed the legislation which seeks to end discrimination against natural hair at work and school.


The Crown (Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair) Act must still be approved by the Senate. President Joe Biden has urged lawmakers to swiftly pass the law. Until then, advocates say that employers and institutions can discriminate against Black Americans based on how they style their natural hair.


Adjoa B Asamoah, the legislative strategist for the CROWN Coalition, praised Friday's vote in the House but acknowledged a potentially uphill battle in the Senate.

What is a hijab and why is it worn?

 

What is Shadow Work?

Shadow work involves getting in touch with the parts of yourself that you've repressed — or what many might refer to as their "dark side." ... It's called "shadow work," and involves "diving into the unconscious material that shapes our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors," according to therapist Akua Boateng, Ph. D.

The Benefits of Shadow Work

1. Tapping into your intuition.

Depending on what kinds of things you've tucked into your own shadow, there's a good chance shadow work can help you get in touch with your deeper knowing, or your intuition. If you were discouraged from using your intuition as a child—trusting your gut and inner compass—then you throw that into the shadow.

2. Freeing yourself from the unconscious shadow.

When we're operating at an unconscious level, our shadow effectively controls us. So while, yes, facing our shadow is hard work, it's also incredibly freeing. 

3. Empowering yourself and accepting your strengths.

For people with very low self-esteem, they'll often put good things about themselves into their shadow because they don't feel worthy of it. In instances like that, shadow work offers us the chance to reclaim the gifts that make us who we are, which we've been hiding away.

4. Taking a step toward self-actualization.

If you're reading about shadow work, you're likely also interested in your own development and personal growth. And according to many Psychologists, shadow work is necessary for anyone who wants to become fulfilled and self-actualized.