If it floats you boat, let it float but people do judge on
   appearance, some positively, some negatively. They see the hair
   and decide in less than 1/2 a second, "What kind of person is
   this that I see?"

   Of course they could be wrong; and first impressions often are,
   but that's one of the things to keep in mind when deciding on an
   image change.

   Oh and the itchy scalp thing; yeah; dreads were popular at
   Hampshire College back in 1990; some guys, a lot of girls and
   yeah, pens scratching heads. Some used a "no-rinse" shampoo,
   some couldn't because it undid the work, some found frequent
   washing helped it clump.

   [people new to dreads would discuss the experience at length and
   I was always one of those "good listener" types]

   In any case, good luck with your decision. I never had them
   myself and with everything I said you can just go YOLO/Carpe
   Diem/etc - but i never pass up an opportunity to share some
   thoughts tongue emoticon