David Sillitoe

I don't care how many come.

I don't care how many come.

But I don't have to be seen.

But I don't have to be seen.

We've been able to speak to him semi-regularly over the phone. Of course, he says he's okay, but he's staying strong for the family. We know that he has been severely mistreated during his illegal incarceration in Baku, including being tortured during a hunger strike.

We've been able to speak to him semi-regularly over the phone. Of course, he says he's okay, but he's staying strong for the family. We know that he has been severely mistreated during his illegal incarceration in Baku, including being tortured during a hunger strike.

Under the bright lights of the stage, contestants step forward, hair in tight curls, braids or short cropped styles. For Emanuela Dali, this rule changed everything.

Under the bright lights of the stage, contestants step forward, hair in tight curls, braids or short cropped styles. For Emanuela Dali, this rule changed everything.

For years, beauty queens wore long artificial hair. But this year, Côte d'Ivoire's biggest beauty competition took a bold step. Some contestants, like Astrid Meneku, were not sure at first.

For years, beauty queens wore long artificial hair. But this year, Côte d'Ivoire's biggest beauty competition took a bold step. Some contestants, like Astrid Meneku, were not sure at first.

For others, it was a moment of self-discovery. Leatitia Murufi competed last year with long extensions. This time, she's going all natural.

For others, it was a moment of self-discovery. Leatitia Murufi competed last year with long extensions. This time, she's going all natural.

But not everyone is celebrating. At a salon in Daloa, hairdressers say the wig ban could hurt business.

But not everyone is celebrating. At a salon in Daloa, hairdressers say the wig ban could hurt business.

Wigs and weaves are a big business in Cote d'Ivoire, worth over $300 million. Back at the pageant, the night's winner was Doria Kore. She will compete at the grand final in Abidjan.

Wigs and weaves are a big business in Cote d'Ivoire, worth over $300 million. Back at the pageant, the night's winner was Doria Kore. She will compete at the grand final in Abidjan.

For organizers, this is about more than just crowns.

For organizers, this is about more than just crowns.

And for health experts, the issue goes beyond beauty. Florence Edwiga Nanga is a trichologist who treats hair and scalp conditions.

And for health experts, the issue goes beyond beauty. Florence Edwiga Nanga is a trichologist who treats hair and scalp conditions.