To feel sad about comments on my hair?

[kindlypudding]

I know it's a first world problem, I know. There are people with so many issues that this seems daft, but here we are.

I have naturally very wavy hair, mixed with soft curls, that has a tendency to poof a bit. For decades I ironed it or blow dried, but in the past 2 yrs something has changed. I let it stay natural for a while during rough weather as got sick of fighting it and was absolutely shocked by how much my natural hair suited my face.
I suddenly adored it.
It took some time to repair, but started to grow and a lot of the frizz calmed down. I don't use a method, and don't wish to, but for the first time in my life I grew to love my natural texture and colour. However, by it's nature it is slightly drier and poofier than straight hair, I have the sort of hair that is very gossamer, fairytale-like, and fine, so it is a bit ethereal. This is good in some ways as it makes my face look softer, younger and nice, compared to the harsher effect of ironing it.

But since embracing it, I have had some odd comments that have left me a bit flat.
It's no one's job to lift me up, but I had honestly quit caring what anyone thought until this.
A few friends have either ignored it completely (and it is a very different look!) or asked if I should consider cutting it all off. One was surprised it was natural and asked had I had a bad perm . Another friend who I hadn't seen until recently said upon meeting me 'Awwww, we need to cheer you up and sort your hair out" (wtf)

Everywhere I go online everyone seems to want to get rid of hair like mine, so even though I have come to adore it, I am somewhat concerned that I am making an ass of myself. A few strangers out and about have actually complimented me, which really stood out!

And that's the mad bit, I really love it, I love the fluffy prettiness and how healthy it now is. It is sad that my natural texture is seen as 'unhealthy', since I don't use heat, eat a good diet and am healthy and fit.

Here is a pic of it, sadly in lamplight so doesn't show true colour (mid blonde). It is bra length and collar bone length at the front. It isn't a good pic as you can't see length or volume but it gives an idea of curl pattern and condition.

How do you get over this kind of weird attitude to your hair?

lol I think you’re delusional about how much anyone else cares about your hair - it’s pretty generic wavy hair if you ask me and I doubt anyone else even notices

I'd have to agree with this, people really don't care, unless you've got a shaved head with a fringe or a zebra print pony tail people just don't care

Get yourself a good curly cut by a hairdresser who specialises in curly hair and use Only Curls products.
You won't know yourself and you'll love your curls even more, I did x x x

This doesn’t sound silly at all. It actually sounds like you’ve stopped fighting your natural texture and it’s finally had a chance to settle.
Wavy and curly hair naturally holds more air, so it can look softer or “fluffier” than straight hair even when it’s healthy. A lot of people are so used to heat-styled hair that anything natural gets read as something that needs fixing.
The fact that you love it and that strangers have complimented it really stands out. That usually says more than the odd blunt comment from friends.
If it feels healthier and suits your face, I’d try to trust that. Hair doesn’t have to look controlled to be in good condition.