In the world of pageantry, structured and manageable hair is the name of the game. At least that’s what Lisa Drouillard, also known as Miss Haiti, says. Drouillard, who was crowned the respective title in 2015 and competed in Miss Universe the same year, explains that hairstyles that incorporate processed hair, such as sew-ins, clip-ins, or u-part wigs, are commonly seen in pageantry. However, as of late, there’s been a change.
“There has been a shift towards embracing natural hair textures, with numerous beauty queens proudly showcasing their curls, coils, and kinks,” she tells NaturallyCurly. “From short, chic cuts to majestic afros and stunning locs, contestants are redefining beauty standards and setting new trends, proving that diversity and individuality are some key components of pageant glamor.”
Yet, there’s still room for growth within the pageant community, as the 2016 Miss USA winner Deshauna Barber pens the disturbing reality of competing as a dark skin naturalista.
“For me to walk out in my natural hair and to crown someone with natural hair broke down walls,” she wrote for Refinery29, adding, “It opened up a world for the girls who feel they need to straighten their curls and add long extensions.”
Looking towards the future, Drouillard hopes for representation in every aspect of the pageant industry.
“By breaking barriers and challenging traditional norms with our unique personalities, we can pave the way for a more inclusive and diverse landscape in pageantry, where every woman sees herself reflected on stage and behind the scenes.”
Until then, we reflect on the naturalista’s from the past to the present who’ve taken center stage.
Vanessa Williams
Source: Getty Images/Bettmann
Before becoming our favorite on-screen queen, Vanessa Williams stunned as the first Black Miss America in 1984. The actress claimed the crown wearing her hair in voluminous shoulder-length waves.
Kenya Moore
Source: Getty Images/Ron Galella Collection
TV personality Kenya Moore claimed the Miss USA crown in 1993. In typical pageant fashion, Moore wore long, soft curls.
Davina Bennett
Source: Getty Images/Frazer Harrison
Jamaica’s Davina Bennett proudly represented the island with her beautiful afro at the 2017 Miss Universe pageant. Bennett was named the second runner-up in the competition.
Kaliegh Garris
Source: Instagram/@kalieghgarris
In 2019, Kaliegh Garris wore her natural curly fro as she was crowned Miss Teen USA. The then 18-year-old revealed to Refinery29 that she finger curled every piece of hair the night before her big win.
Zozibini Tunzi
Source: Getty Images/Paras Griffin
South Africa’s Zozibini Tunzi was crowned Miss Universe in 2019. Tunzi switched it up from the typical pageantry look and rocked a chic Tiny Weeny Afro (TWA) and low-cut sides. The daring look was a testament to her confidence and beauty.
Cheslie Kryst
Source: Instagram/@chesliekryst
The late Cheslie Kryst won the 2019 Miss USA title wearing long and uniformed coils. Kryst told ESSENCE the secret to her healthy hair was using protein and conditioning treatments.
Clemence Botino
Source: Getty Images/Menahem KAHANA
Clemence Botino, also known as Miss France, let her curls free at the 2021 Miss Universe pageant. Botino placed in the top 10 in the competition.
Elle Smith
Source: Getty Images/Menahem KAHANA
Elle Smith was crowned Miss USA in 2021 while stunning in her curly golden updo. Smith represented the USA at Miss Universe the same year.
Breanna Myles
Source: Instagram/@breannaamyles
Breanna Myles won Miss Teen USA in 2021 and previously won Miss Florida USA. The Florida native wore long, shiny, straight hair as she collected her crown in the 2021 competition.
Nyekachi Douglas
Source: Getty Images/Daniel LEAL
Miss Nigeria Nyekachi Douglas slicks her coils into a low, fluffy ponytail for Miss World 2019. Douglas is the longest-reigning Miss World Africa.
Toni-Ann Singh
Source: Getty Images/Daniel LEAL
Jamaican beauty queen Toni-Ann Singh kept structured long curls in typical pageantry fashion as she accepted her Miss World crown. Singh is the fourth woman from Jamaica to win Miss World.
Ndavi Nokeri
Source: Getty Images/Josh Brasted
Ndavi Nokeri is another South African beauty who wore a curly updo at the 2022 Miss Universe competition. Nokeri was named top 16 but no.1 in the NaturallyCurly universe.
All-in-all, natural beauties continue to reign supreme in pageantry. Let us know your favorite look in the comments!
