Dreadlocks
Like the basis of Rastafarian ideology is rooted in African tradition, so is the hairstyle known as “dreadlocks” (“Rastafari – Way of Life | JahWorks.Org | The Intelligent Online Caribbean Music, Culture, and Travel Magazine”). Dreadlocks was originated in eastern Africa and the hairstyle was worn by many. In Dominica, the hairstyle was deemed "dreadful" in appearance, and immediately the 'dreads' could be located.
Contrary to that however, the Rastafarians began to wear their hair and beards long because of an Old Testament scripture (Number 6:5), also followed by the orthodox Jews, that “no razor shall touch their hair” and wearing dreadlocks has always been synonymous with them from since the 1940s through the 1970s, and even up till today.
In those days, Rastas received heavy persecution just for being who they were. Without having committed a crime, Rastas were brutalized, mistreated and detained by the police, often cutting off their locks in front of others and making an example out of them. Today, many who have dreadlocks as a casual hairstyle know very little about the origins of dreadlocks and how they were worn as a political and religious statement against “the establishment.” Many were sacrificed just to have the right to wear their locks as they saw fit. These persecutions made Rastafarians move further into the “bush” areas to maintain their lifestyle without constant threat of police brutality.