For most beauty queens, their hair is their crowning glory and likewise beauty pageant contestants and winners perhaps surprisingly often have a very long, wavy hair. Well, when was the last time you saw a beauty queen, with short hair? Does that mean long hair are necessary to win? Maybe not. An updo or trimmed hair might actually make you stand out from the crowd.

Just looking at the numbers, women with longer manes have won more beauty titles than those with shorter crops. But that doesn’t mean one cannot nail the pageant with chopped hair… here we did a little digging into the history of pageant winners to see whether many short-haired women have been lucky enough to capture the crown or nail the pageant.

Jade McQueen finalist at Miss England pageant

An aspiring singer who made it to boot camp on X Factor has become the first short-haired finalist in the Miss England pageant. Jade McQueen bagged first place in her regional competition when she defeated long-locked competitors to take home the title of Miss Surrey. And now the 24-year-old wants to demonstrate to other young women that you don't have to be 'perfect' to win a pageant.

Akiko Kojima Miss Universe 1959

In 1959, Akiko Kojima became the first Japanese contestant to win Miss Universe. She had hair that were above-the-shoulder, and she typically took to wearing it up, as was the style back in the '50s. The competition didn't see its first Black winner until 1977, over 20 years after it first began. Janelle Commissiong hailed from Trinidad and Tobago. (Her mane? On the short side and feathered.)

Kaci Fennell Miss Universe Jamaica 2014

Fennell was a crowd favorite in the competition early on. She won viewers over with her confidence, carefree attitude, and short hair. In a sea of long-maned women, Fennell stood out. But, it's her pixie cut that had people questioning why she was overlooked for the title of Miss Universe. Fennell's grandfather has even spoken out, claiming that his granddaughter's hair is the reason she didn't snag the crown.  

Brook Lee Miss Universe 1997

In fact, the last woman with shorter hair to win the title of Miss Universe was in 1997 — almost 20 years ago. Her name was Brook Lee, she was from Hawaii, and her hair sat comfortably at shoulder-length. Since Lee won, every single winner has had long, flowing hair — and so have most of the competitors.

Chelsi Smith Miss Universe 1995

In 1995, Chelsi Smith became the first multiracial woman to be crowned. The competition has become more and more racially diverse as the years have progressed. But, the beauty standards still remain such as Miss Universe should have perfect hair, body and assets, flawless features, shiny long hair, and a perfect figure. She was overweight as a teenager, before becoming Miss Universe.

Patricia Celan from British Colombia

This pageant contestant took the brave decision to shave off her long locks to raise money for cancer research. Patricia Celan, 20, from White Rock, British Colombia, took to the stage during the July 1 Miss BC contest and let the audience watch, as her brunette tresses were clipped off. Talking about the noble act, which raised $1,425 in just ten minutes, she told the sources: 'I hoped that it would inspire people, and I want to show people... you can be beautiful, even with short hair.'

With todays pageantry world, every woman would be pleased to know that more short-haired women are being recognised by their unique and own beauty. In fact, whichever style you choose, be sure to wear it with poise. In the pageant world, it does not matter how you wear your hair. What truly matters is how you represent yourself, and that you let your light shine.