I love dreads but would never be able to pull it off. I already have long hair and it's already a hassle as it is, not only because of the work but because of the reactions and how people behave because of it (apparently guys with long hair are glare-worthy), but I love having it long.
Whoever mentioned using bar soap to wash your hair is correct, I find that many bar soaps are too alkaline for hair, so it tangles very easily = helpful for making dreads; at least that was my experience with bar soap.
I also like Cari's suggestion of the braids, very cute!