It’s not every day you meet someone who is releasing a Cannabis-inspired custom hair color into the world. Hairstylist Cece Neher recently did just that with Grim Reefer — a dark green hair dye created in collaboration with indie company Chroma Daddy.
It’s the first time Cece, a Germantown native and licensed stylist, has put a custom color hair dye into the world. The shade is a personal nod to three pillars of their identity: hair, Cannabis and anything spooky. “I’ve had green in my hair for four years. That’s my comfort color,” they said, adding that the neon green they would have chosen was already taken.
Cece grew up in a diverse community that helped them feel accepted, even when that meant being the “oddball” in school. They kept to themselves, focusing on creative hobbies like photography, which they approached with an unconventional eye for composition and theme. “I just did something that spoke to me and of me. I reflect all of my personality, my thoughts and beliefs into my artwork,” they said.
After high school, Cece earned a degree in criminal justice from Towson University, then shifted paths to attend trade school for hair. Their parents initially hoped they’d pursue something related to their degree, but Cece was ready to go all-in on their passion. “I’m so glad I did that,” they said.
Hair was Cece’s first introduction to self-expression. They learned firsthand how a cut or color could shape identity, which led them to study everything about hair and makeup. A background in painting and a house full of older sisters meant makeup came naturally, and the two mediums eventually collided when Cece started working at a haunted house — a job they kept for over 13 years.
That theatricality now shows up in their studio hairstyling work. “Recently, on one of my friends, I did an open brain concept,” they said. “It was so festive and spooky. I painted his head, and it took me a while, but it was so worth it.”
As for personal style, Cece said they take a day-by-day approach — letting their mood dictate what they wear and how they present. Most clients give them full creative freedom, though Cece emphasizes thoughtful consultation and detail.
“They normally give me a color palette, and they tell me to go wild,” Cece said. “There’s no correct way of doing hair. It’s a matter of finding your style and technique.” They added that although they plan to teach hair classes in the future, most of what they know came from trial and error on friends and family.
One of the three pillars of inspiration for Grim Reefer, Cannabis is a major part of Cece’s life and work. They started using it young, eventually getting a medical card when Maryland launched its program. It helped them manage anxiety and depression, and they even worked in the industry before committing to their studio full-time.
“Cannabis was a blessing in disguise. I stayed true to it,” they said. “I love when people pick my brain about it.”
Though once a sativa lover, Cece now prefers indica-leaning hybrids and dabbing rosin. Their holy grail strain is Black Afghan, which they say helps with both wellness and creativity.
That openness shows up in their studio, too. They keep Tall seltzers on hand as a Cannabis-friendly alternative to the typical salon champagne, and clients often come to them after being shamed for being medicated elsewhere.
“I’ve gained clients because they’ve been shunned for being medicated in other salons,” Cece said. “Making these people feel like their true selves so they can pass that energy to someone else — it’s all about spreading the love and free expression.”
While there’s currently no Cannabis-infused hair product on the market, Cece hopes to one day develop one and they’re watching developments in research on CBD and hair health closely.
Until then, they said they want to continue being open about their cannabis use, in and out of their job, and encourage others to be open as well.
“Be loud, take up space,” they said, adding that they’ve carried this mentality through most of their life. “You never know where being yourself can take you.”
