Company Profile: Messy by Alli Webb
Background
Messy by Alli Webb is a haircare brand founded by Alli Webb, the visionary entrepreneur behind Drybar, a chain of salons specializing in blowouts. After selling Drybar in 2019, Webb embarked on a personal journey to embrace her natural hair texture, leading to the creation of Messy. The brand encourages individuals to celebrate their authentic hair, moving away from the pursuit of perfection. Messy offers a range of products designed to enhance natural textures and promote hair health.
Key Strategic Focus
Messy focuses on empowering individuals to embrace their natural hair textures by providing products that facilitate effortless styling and hair health. The brand emphasizes authenticity and self-acceptance, offering solutions that bridge the gap between traditional blowouts and natural air-drying methods. Messy's core objectives include:
- Product Development: Creating haircare products that enhance natural textures and promote hair health.
- Educational Initiatives: Providing tutorials and resources to help consumers embrace their natural hair.
- Community Engagement: Building a supportive community that celebrates authenticity and self-acceptance.
Financials and Funding
In 2024, Messy secured $5 million in funding led by Unilever Ventures, with participation from friends and family. This capital is intended to support product development, marketing initiatives, and expansion efforts.
Pipeline Development
Messy launched its inaugural product line in June 2025, featuring five key products:
- I Can Begin Again Shampoo: A hydrating shampoo designed to cleanse without stripping natural oils.
- I Am Soft I Am Strong Conditioner: A conditioner that provides moisture and strength to hair strands.
- I Am Enough Rough Dry Style Cream: A styling cream that enhances natural texture and controls frizz.
- I Will Not Be Broken Overnight Repair Hair Serum: A serum formulated to repair and nourish hair overnight.
- I Am Transformed Instant Silk Revival Spray: A spray that revitalizes hair and adds shine.
These products are available through Messy's official website and at Sephora.
Technological Platform and Innovation
Messy leverages a unique approach to haircare, introducing the "Rough Dry Method," which combines gentle drying techniques with product application to enhance natural textures. This method minimizes heat damage and promotes healthier hair. The brand also emphasizes the use of high-quality, nourishing ingredients in its formulations.
Leadership Team
- Alli Webb: Founder and CEO. Webb co-founded Drybar in 2010 and sold it in 2019. She is also the author of "The Messy Truth," a memoir detailing her entrepreneurial journey.
- Michael Landau: Co-founder and Co-CEO. Landau is Webb's brother and was instrumental in the founding and growth of Drybar.
Market Insights and Dynamics
The haircare industry is experiencing a shift towards products that promote natural textures and hair health. Consumers are increasingly seeking alternatives to traditional heat styling and chemical treatments, favoring products that enhance and protect their natural hair.
Competitor Analysis
Messy operates in a competitive landscape with several key players:
- Pattern Beauty: Founded by Tracee Ellis Ross, Pattern offers products tailored for curly, coily, and tight-textured hair.
- Mielle Organics: A brand known for its natural haircare products, focusing on promoting hair growth and health.
- SheaMoisture: Offers a wide range of products for various hair types, emphasizing natural ingredients and community empowerment.
Messy's unique positioning lies in its founder's credibility and the brand's focus on embracing natural hair textures, setting it apart from competitors.
Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships
Messy has partnered with Sephora for product distribution, leveraging the retailer's extensive reach to introduce its products to a broader audience. This collaboration is expected to enhance brand visibility and accessibility.
Operational Insights
Messy's strategic focus on authenticity and self-acceptance resonates with a growing consumer desire for natural beauty solutions. The brand's emphasis on education and community engagement positions it well to capture market share in the evolving haircare industry.
Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions
Messy aims to expand its product line to address a broader range of haircare needs, including treatments for different hair textures and concerns. The brand also plans to enhance its digital presence through educational content and community-building initiatives, fostering a loyal customer base.
Contact Information
- Official Website: itsmessy.com
- Instagram: @itsmessy
- Facebook: Messy by Alli Webb
- Twitter: @itsmessy
- Headquarters: Laguna Beach, California, USA
