Dreadlocks occur naturally when certain hair types are left to grow without interference, such as combing or brushing. Over time, if you have naturally curly and/or wavy hair, your hair will form a rope-like appearance. Dreadlocks are strongly associated with reggae and the Rastafarian movement, a prominent Jamaican religion. This reggae association is partly due to the prominence of Bob Marley, one of reggae’s best-known performers. Marley typically had long dreadlocks that hung down his back and around his shoulders. As Marley performed or played soccer, his “dreads” would swing.
Mid-length dreadlocks, such as those sported by Wailers guitarist Al Anderson, are typically thinner and shorter than traditional Rastafari-style dreads because they are only partially formed. As the dreadlock grows, it becomes more matted, making it thicker. For this reason, it is easier to style shorter dreadlocks, either by cutting a bang or wearing it in a ponytail. Some people elect to achieve the look of both long- and medium-length locks by having their hair woven with synthetic dreadlock hair weaves.
Sly Dunbar, one-half of prolific reggae duo Sly and Robbie, typically wears a “mop” of tightly woven braids. Braids are achieved by weaving strands of long hair until they form a tight lock of hair. Sister Nancy’s appearance is also characterized by braided hair, which she typically decorates with beads.
Jamaican and other black reggae artists who elect to wear their hair short are often limited in how to style their hair because of the natural tight curls of some Jamaican and some black people’s hair. Lee “Scratch” Perry made his otherwise standard short, tight curls stand out by dyeing it in a variety of colors.
"Short back and sides" is a British term for a generic smart haircut for boys and men. Ali Campbell, singer of UB40, sported this style and an array of variations. The hair is closely cropped around the back and sides and left slightly longer on top, for a neat and tidy appearance. Ali Campbell is distinctive in this regard because the typical reggae hairstyle eschews smartness in favor of flair and flamboyance. Canadian reggae artists Snow, who had a 1992 hit with “Informer,” also sported a version of the short back and sides, typically with a "quiff."