Manchester barber launches vegan and circular haircare brand Alott

Manchester-based barber Ross Parlane launched haircare brand Alott, short for "a little off the top", during lockdown together with his sister and brother-in-law.

What started out as a scribble on a napkin in 2017 turned into a full-fledged business during the 2020 lockdown, when Parlane had to temporarily close his barbershop, RPB.

What sets the company apart is not only its vegan, natural and organic formulations but also a focus on reducing plastic waste by using reusable and refillable aluminium and glass containers, solid bars that come in recycled and recyclable packaging and recycling-friendly refill pouches.

The brand now offers a range of products, including shampoo, conditioner, and sea-salt spray and also offers a monthly subscription option for added convenience.

Together with Parlane's sister Sam Rookwood, who has a background in marketing and his brother in law Dan Rookwood, a grooming editor at Mr. Porter, the brand launched with a mission to be purpose-led - putting sustainability, inclusivity and mental health at the centre of its brand.

With every purchase of its everyday shampoo, for example, 5% are donated to the local charity Manchester Mind and it is a member of 1% for the planet,  which it also supports by donating 1% of its total sales.

Co-founder Ross Parlane, who used his extensive industry experience to inform the product selection said: “alott stands for ‘a little off the top’ but it also stands for supporting mental health. There’s something about sitting in that chair when you’re having your hair done: people really open up and share what’s on their minds. We’re all about having healthy conversations, not bottling things up.”

Sam Rookwood, who runs the day-to-day operations of the business, commented: “The world doesn’t need more hair products, but it does need better ones. We’re confident ours are better than 95% of what is out there right now because of what’s in them – and more to the point, what’s not in them.”

Dan Rookwood, who is responsible for strategy, branding, positioning and website content of the brand added: “We started with a clear set of foundational principles. We are purpose-led, we have a giving strategy, and we are committed to doing things the right way. Our motto is: look good + do good = feel good.”