Hairstylists, educators and industry pros gathered in Cancun, Mexico, for the CHI Cancun Conference 2026.
Held from September 18 to 21, 2026, the four-day event celebrated 40 years of Farouk Systems, bringing together more than 1,200 guests from over 100 countries for look-and-learn education, brand announcements and a glamorous international hair show.[/vc_column_text]
The festivities kicked off with a welcome party, uniting attendees from across the company’s global community.
“We have everything we need to continue growing this industry and uplifting the hairstylist,” says Dr. Farouk Shami, founder of Farouk Systems. “Hairdressers do so much more than change someone’s haircut or colour. They help people feel good about themselves.”
To kick off the show portion of the event, host Madison Brodsky led a leadership discussion with Dr. Farouk Shami, founder of Farouk Systems; Mego Ayvazian, president of global marketing, shows and education; Lisa Marie Garcia, president of innovation; Anna Manukyan, founder of Beautiful Wealth; and Sylvia Herrera, CHI executive. The panel explored the future of the CHI and BioSilk brands.
The discussion highlighted several brand developments, including the renovation and return of SunGlitz, a product with a longstanding place in Farouk Systems’ hair colour history, and the introduction of BioSilk Gold. Attendees also explored the company’s latest professional tools, retail products and wet-line innovations through interactive booths throughout the weekend.
“Celebrating 40 years is an incredible milestone, but it is also about looking forward,” says Ayvazian. “We are continuing to innovate, continuing to educate and continuing to give hairstylists the tools and opportunities they need to grow.”
Education remained at the centre of the conference, with Farouk Systems artists leading classes in colour, cutting, styling and product knowledge. The sessions offered attendees practical techniques and inspiration to bring back to the salon.
Global board artist Anna Cantu led Editorial Edge: Modern Styling Techniques, sharing sophisticated styling techniques that combine modern trends with timeless elegance to create polished, fashion-forward looks.
International top stylist and artistic creative team member Julian Macias presented Blonde Ambition: Luxury Lightening Techniques, exploring advanced lightening methods to achieve seamless dimension, radiant shine and customized blonde results.
Global artist Cynthia Diersen and Toronto-based global artistic board member Rocky Vitelli teamed up for Legacy in Color: Advanced Cut & Color Techniques, demonstrating advanced colour placement and precision cutting techniques to create modern, impactful transformations in the salon.
On Sunday, Anna Manukyan, beauty executive, educator and founder of Beautiful Wealth, led a session on financial education and wealth building for beauty professionals. She shared insights into how financial knowledge can help hairstylists build sustainable careers and stronger salon businesses.
The weekend culminated on Sunday evening with the 40th anniversary gala and international hair show, featuring creative teams representing countries and regions from around the world. Through elaborate hairstyles, fashion, performance and storytelling, each team brought its own interpretation of hair artistry to the stage.
The gala also recognized individuals whose contributions helped shape Farouk Systems. Beverly Bernard Morrison was honoured as “The First Lady of SunGlitz” for helping establish the brand, while Dr. Dennis Morrison was recognized for his scientific leadership and collaboration with NASA, which helped bring advanced technology into beauty innovation.
Anna Cantu opened the international hair show with Bouquet, a personal tribute to Dr. Farouk Shami. As a first-generation Mexican artist, Cantu incorporated cultural elements into the presentation, beginning with mariachi musicians serenading the founder. The models symbolically presented him with his flowers in recognition of his legacy, with the looks coloured and styled using CHI Ruby Anniversary tools.
Team Canada delivered a high-energy, runway-style hair show, creating styles live onstage in a presentation that opened with cabaret dancers. The hairstyles complemented intricately beaded wardrobe pieces, bringing hair and fashion together in a cohesive presentation. The Canadian team featured Rocky Vitelli, Cathy Pacquet, Kailey Eliuk and Julie Dobbin.
Team USA showcased edgy cuts and bold colour using CHI LAVA tools, while Team Europe/Germany created floral-inspired hairstyles live onstage. Team Baltic celebrated unity through elaborate hairpieces, Team Mexico highlighted glamour and intricate styling, and Team Middle East combined elaborate hair creations with theatrical performances.
Mego Ayvazian closed the international hair show with a dramatic interpretation of the four elements: Water, Fire, Earth and Air. Each element was brought to life through elaborate hairstyles and theatrical presentation, culminating in sparklers and a confetti drop.
The evening continued with a tribute to the Shami family. Rami Shami, CEO of Farouk Systems, presented his father, Dr. Farouk Shami, with the Legendary Award, recognizing his vision and commitment to innovation. Farouk Shami Jr. presented his father, Rami Shami, with the Legacy Award, celebrating his leadership and role in carrying the company’s vision forward.
With three generations of the Shami family together onstage, the awards presentation honoured the company’s beginnings, its current leadership and the next generation continuing its legacy.
Browse photos from the event.
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