W Salon: We’re Not Going Anywhere
w salon
Christina Watts, owner of W Salon, has been a staple in downtown Hammond’s business community since opening her doors in August 2005. Just two weeks after launching, Hurricane Katrina struck, a devastating blow to the region and to Christina, who had poured her savings, heart, and soul into her new salon. Despite the uncertainty that followed, she quickly discovered what makes downtown Hammond special—the people. Even though she was a new face, her neighboring business owners checked on her daily, ensuring she was safe in the storm’s aftermath. That sense of closeness and community cemented her love for Hammond, and nearly 20 years later, she’s still here.
This August, Christina plans to celebrate W Salon’s 20th anniversary—a milestone she acknowledges is not easy or common in the industry. She credits much of her longevity to the supportive nature of Hammond’s hair community, where salons uplift rather than compete with one another. “There are enough people in Hammond for everyone to eat,” she says.
Christina’s approach to business is deeply rooted in respect for her clients' time. “If you’ve booked me, you’ve booked my attention,” she says. W Salon offers a relaxed, personalized experience, ensuring each client feels valued. Located on Charles Street, her current space is removed from the hustle and bustle of the main downtown strip, creating a serene environment for guests.
Originally, Christina named the business “Christina Salon,” but she quickly grew tired of hearing her own name all day. She rebranded it as W Salon, taking inspiration from her last name. The salon’s branding features delicate, colorful bubbles—a design element that came about serendipitously. In her first location, the walls were plain white, so she used circular molds dipped in paint to add color. Due to the textured sheetrock, the designs came out imperfect, resembling bubbles, which felt fitting for a salon where shampoo, conditioner, and hair dye are part of daily life. The colors also represent different Paul Mitchell products, a brand Christina has stood behind since opening. She has not only been a Paul Mitchell salon from the start but has also worked as an educator for the company since 2012.
While hair has been her passion since she was five years old, Christina’s second love is dog rescue. For the last 15 years, she and her mother have been actively involved in rescuing stray dogs, transporting them to shelters, and fostering them until they find homes. In October, W Salon hosts an annual fundraiser, collecting toys, food, and other supplies for animal rescue organizations. Her salon is also dog-friendly, welcoming pups in for a treat and a little extra love.
Christina wants the community to know that W Salon is deeply invested in downtown Hammond, and she has no plans of leaving. When you visit W Salon, you’re in the hands of a stylist who truly listens, educates, and wants to help you love your hair. She’s here to bring you to the next level—whatever that means for you.
