Dreadlocks , also called locks or dreads , are coils of hair which are made by themselves , in all hair types , if the hair is allowed to grow naturally without grooming for a long time . Dreadlocks , also called locks , a ras , dreads , or Jatayein ( Hindi ) , are matted coils of hair . Dreadlocks are usually intentionally formed ; because of the variety of different hair textures , various methods are used to encourage the formation of locks such as backcombing .