Noughty
Wave Hello Curl Defining Shampoo
"An affordable, CGM-friendly shampoo that cleanses gently without stripping. Perfect for wavies and looser curls who want to start their curly journey without a big investment."
Hair Compatibility
Curl Pattern
Strand Thickness
Porosity
Performance
- Hold Level
- No Hold
- Weight
- Very Light
- Finish
- Soft, No Cast
- Buildup Risk
- Low
What's Inside
Avocado Oil
Penetrating oil that nourishes without heaviness
Seaweed Extract (Carrageenan)
Mineral-rich for scalp and hair health
Kelp Extract
Nutrient-dense seaweed for hair strength
Cocamidopropyl Betaine
Gentle, sulfate-free cleansing surfactant
View Full Ingredients List
Aqua, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate, Glycerin, Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Benzoate, Parfum (Fragrance), Potassium Sorbate, Polyquaternium-6, Cocoglucoside, Glycol Distearate, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Sodium Phytate, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil, Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil, Chondrus Crispus (Carrageenan) Extract, Citric Acid, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Laminaria Digitata Extract, Crithmum Maritimum Extract, Benzyl Salicylate, Linalool, Butylphenyl Methylpropional
Analyze these ingredients with our Ingredient Checker tool.
How to Use
Best as: Cleanser
Alternatives to Consider
Overview
Noughty Wave Hello Curl Defining Shampoo brings CGM-friendly hair care to the high street at an accessible price. The sulfate-free formula cleanses effectively without stripping natural oils, making it an excellent entry point for those beginning their curly hair journey. With avocado oil and seaweed extracts providing gentle nourishment, it’s designed specifically for wavy and curly textures.
Key Ingredients Breakdown
- Avocado Oil - One of the few oils that can penetrate the hair shaft, providing internal nourishment whilst the shampoo cleanses.
- Seaweed Extract (Carrageenan) - Rich in minerals and vitamins that benefit both scalp and hair health.
- Kelp Extract - Nutrient-dense seaweed that supports hair strength and scalp health.
- Cocamidopropyl Betaine - A gentle, sulfate-free cleansing agent derived from coconut oil.
What We Love
- Budget-friendly - Excellent quality at an accessible price
- CGM-approved - No sulfates, silicones, or drying alcohols
- Widely available - Found in most high street shops
- Protein-free - Safe for protein-sensitive hair
- Cleanses effectively - Removes buildup without stripping
- Vegan and cruelty-free - Ethical choice
What Could Be Better
- Not moisturising enough for coils - Better suited to waves and looser curls
- Can be drying with hard water - May need a chelating treatment occasionally
- Fragrance - Present and noticeable; not for the scent-averse
- Small bottle - 250ml runs out fairly quickly
How to Use
Standard Wash
- Wet hair thoroughly
- Apply shampoo to scalp only
- Massage gently to cleanse scalp
- Allow the lather to run through lengths as you rinse
- Repeat if needed (especially after clarifying)
- Follow with conditioner
Low-Poo Approach
If your hair doesn’t need frequent cleansing:
- Use this shampoo once a week
- Co-wash between shampoo days
- Clarify monthly if using silicone-free products
Pro Tip
Focus shampoo on the scalp only. The lengths of curly hair rarely need direct shampoo application—the rinse-through is usually sufficient.
The Verdict
Noughty Wave Hello sits in the budget category and genuinely delivers at this price point. For wavies and looser curls beginning their curly hair journey, this is an ideal starting shampoo. It won’t suit those with very dry or coily hair who need more moisturising formulas, but for its intended audience, it’s excellent value.
The matching conditioner works well as a system, but the shampoo plays nicely with other CGM-friendly products too. If you’re testing the waters with curly methods without wanting to invest heavily, start here.
Our Rating: 4/5