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From Roots to Radiance

The Story Behind The Black Neon Salon

Article by Amber Dobyns

Photography by Fireheart Photography

Originally published in Porter City Lifestyle

Tucked away in Spring, Texas, The Black Neon Salon isn’t just a place to get a bold balayage or the perfect pixie — it’s a vibe, a mood, a little pocket of magic crafted by Kay-Cie McFarland herself. After more than two decades behind the chair, Kay-Cie took the leap and built the kind of space she once wished existed: welcoming, empowering, and unapologetically stylish. For her, opening a salon wasn’t just a career move — it was a soulful declaration of purpose. Drawing on her hometown roots, she combined community spirit with sheer creativity, pouring her story into every inch of the studio.

The name “Black Neon” comes from two vibrant sparks in her life. Once, while getting her nails done, she asked for a matte black base with bright neon art — her nail tech joked, “This is totally you — dark with a pop of light.” That playful comment stuck. The second inspiration? A lifelong friend and countless nights dancing to the country classic “Neon Moon.” That song became their anthem and a symbol of belief and brightness in her journey, so it made perfect sense to channel that duality — boldness and softness — into her brand.

Stepping into The Black Neon Salon feels like walking into a sanctuary where clients are seen, heard, and uplifted. First-timers are greeted with Kay-Cie’s infectious energy and a genuine curiosity about their style goals. She listens and breaks down the process with care before touching a single strand. Her approach is grounded in empathy and education — especially when a guest walks in saying, “My last stylist said it couldn’t be done.” For Kay-Cie, that’s a challenge wrapped in possibility. The result? Empowered transformations, one blowout, vivid streak, or fresh fringe at a time.

Brick by brick and snip by snip, Kay-Cie sculpted a space that feels like home. Growing up in Porter gave her a deep appreciation for local grit and generosity; she watched businesses rise from humble beginnings and knew she wanted to give back to the town that raised her — and now helps raise her daughter. Her salon reflects that spirit while being community-forward and creativity-fueled.

Services at Black Neon range from sleek and natural to wildly vivid, and the energy of the studio glows with every transformation. Whether it’s a shampoo with sparkle or a full-color fantasy, Kay-Cie believes even a refreshing blowout has the power to change someone’s day. That’s the magic of Black Neon — it’s not just about hair, it’s about heart. Clients leave feeling radiant not just in the mirror, but in their soul — and they tell their friends that Black Neon is more than just hair therapy. It’s a glow-up for your confidence.

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