Today, according to WWD, Alli Webb, founder of Drybar, is back in the spotlight with Messy, her new hair-care brand designed to streamline and simplify styling routines. To support the brand’s development and launch, Webb secured $5 million in funding, with the round led by Unilever Ventures, alongside contributions from family and friends.
“We’re one of maybe two brands that they’ve invested in pre-revenue,” said Webb, highlighting the rare early-stage commitment from Unilever Ventures. Rachel Harris, a partner at Unilever Ventures, praised Webb’s leadership and vision, stating, “With impeccable timing and deep consumer resonance, [Messy] is poised to disrupt and redefine the haircare landscape.”
The investment aligns Messy with Unilever Ventures’ impressive portfolio, which includes names like Trinny London, Saie, The Inkey List, Curlsmith, and Womaness. Unilever Ventures also previously backed Nutrafol, now fully owned by Unilever.
Messy is launching exclusively at Sephora, a natural fit given Drybar’s successful retail history. The brand’s mission focuses on empowering consumers to embrace their natural texture with less heat and more time-saving, inclusive styling solutions. Sephora’s EVP of Merchandising, Carolyn Bojanowski, noted that Messy’s message of individuality and innovative product design “will resonate with our clients.”
With prestige hair care growing steadily—up 4% year-over-year, and styling products up 12% according to Circana—Messy enters the market at an opportune moment. Webb once again partnered with her brother Michael Landau as co-CEO.
