Dreadlocks date back to at least 1800 B.C. when the first writing about them was found in Indian scripture. Dreadlocks are referenced several times in the Bible, with the following passage becoming a mantra for the Rastafarian religious movement: "They shall not make baldness upon their head, neither shall they shave off the corner of their beard, nor make any cuttings in their flesh." -- Leviticus 21:5.

The origin of the name "dreadlocks" stems from Jamaican slaves wearing that hairstyle as a sign of defiance after the country became emancipated from Britain starting in the 1830s. Members of Jamaica's Euro-centric society referred to it as a "dreadful" hairstyle.

Historical figures who wore dreadlocks include Samson, John the Baptist and King Tut. Like Samson, some Rastafarians consider hair as their strength and weakness will follow if cut. Others believe dreadlocks symbolize the mane from the biblical story of the Lion of Judah, which also is one of the titles bestowed upon all Ethiopian kings.

The popularity of Bob Marley's reggae music in the 1970s helped dreadlocks gain mainstream acceptance in the United States.

Dreadlocks are initially formed when hair is sectioned, then twisted and kept in place through rubber bands and wax. For maintenance, dreadlocks should be washed at least once a week.

Sources: King James Bible, www.jamaicans.com, www.howtodread.com, www.hairboutique.com, rasta-man.co.uk.

"The only thing worse than turning gray is dying it black and looking like I was attacked with a bottle of shoe polish," the 40-something Windsor resident said. "Well, turning bald would be worse. Or dropping dead."

Roglieri used to have a "ZZ Top" beard and pony tail down to his mid-back until he noticed some gray hair about two years ago. He said he had no choice but to cut off his hair and to shave off the beard. He now keeps his hair in a flat top, with the sides and back buzzed down to stubble.

"Now people think I'm 'Mr. Clean Cut,' but I'm really still a degenerate at heart," Roglieri said. "I still have a moustache, which thankfully only has a few renegade grays, which are dealt with in a swift and appropriate manner."

Vaccaro and Roglieri aren't alone in their thoughts: A 2002 consumer poll at HairBoutique.com asked visitors whether they would opt to cover their gray hair or not. Fifty-two percent said they would definitely hide it, 43 percent said they would flaunt it and 5 percent had no opinion.

The most common reason why people -- especially women -- choose to color their hair is because they desire a more youthful look, said Mark Anthony, a master stylist with The Oak Door Salon & Spa in Binghamton.

"There might be six different reasons why they say they want to color their hair, but it really comes down to that," he said. "They want to look younger."

"It's not just bobby pins that are cool", says Karen Shelton, CEO of hairboutique.com., an online accessories emporium, French hair pins are the hottest hair accessories around.

The horseshoe-shaped pins don't hold the hair in place, but add a decorative touch to finished hairdos.

Attached to the crest of the pin are rhinestones or flowers or other fanciful baubles. The french pins are stuck down into the hair so only the pretty part shows, creating an unexpected sparkle.

"If you have a gorgeous up-do, they sort of just float there -- like little Christmas lights," says Shelton.

HairBoutique.com was listed in the Beauty Guide on Page 246 in the May issue of Marie Claire magazine in conjunction with Robert Hallowell's prawduct line, which is one of HairBoutique.com's feature Marketplace boutiques.

Check out the interview with HairBoutique's CEO - Karen Shelton at The Long Hair Loom site.

* For instructions on how to do your own hair for the prom -- with ideas for short to long and fine to thick hair -- visit www.hairboutique.com/tips/promhairarticles.htm

* For printable hairstyles to take to the salon (no directions), visit www.promadvice.com/ promlook/index.html (This site also offers tips for attending prom on a budget -- like ideas for dressing up your shoes; as well as fashion tips for the gents.)

Stevie Harris, a Glendale High School junior, models her prom dress at Savants in Springfield. Bob Linder , News-LeaderStevie Harris models one of this year's trendy prom dresses at Savants. The dress is provided by Dillard's.Simpler trends are in this year, and glittery is not as popular as it used to be. Bob Linder News-LeaderDress boutiques have sold several off-the-shoulder and one-shoulder dresses this year.

Je Metadi Dress Co.Strapless dresses (left, right) are a stylish trend this prom season. What adds to the perfect dress is a pair of fabulous feminine shoes (above). Je Metadi Dress Co.The princess-style dress (left) is a hot seller this year among prom-goers. Any princess needs a good pair of heels (top), even though they aren't glass. Je Metadi Dress Co.

Karen Shelton contributed all of the technical step-by-step instructions and styling hints.

      Romantic legend has it that Cleopatra captured the heart of Marc Anthony when she toasted him with a glass of wine infused with the crushed remains of a princess pearl. Cleo was also famous for covering her body from her tresses to her toes with exquisite gems and ornaments.
      Historically hair ornaments have been worn by both men and women for many thousands of years. Like fashion, hair accessory designs change with the social and political climates. With the current fashion movement towards anything soft, lacy and romantic, it is only fitting that hair gems are morphing into elegant and feminine designs. Romantic hair baubles date back to the Edwardian, Victorian and Art Nouveau periods famous for soft, delicate lines and curves.
      Watch for stunning hair ornaments like the breathtaking circular, looped and delicate lacy lattic hair slides from FranceLuxe to gain major popularity during 2003. Gorgeous filigree leaf barrettes made from luxury tortoise materials are additional candidates for popular appeal. A very fine hair jewelry item, the FranceLuxe filigree leaf barrette consists of a curved lacy hand-made leaf front piece mounted upon a gold plated barrette fitting. Each piece is carefully hand-polished to perfection and is a work of wearable hair art.
      Delicate hair slides and filigree barrettes would have been a perfect accessory for the ethereal looks of the Edwardian period that was marked by elegant and feminine fashions that harked back to French Royalty of the 18th century and included neo-classical and Rococo influences. More importantly, these designs are wonderful hair jewels for the current 2002 romantic hair revival.
      Traditional romantic jeweled motifs that portray delicate lace, bows, roses and hearts will also flourish, working well with the new looks highlighting soft curls, waves and ringlets.
      Whether you have short or long locks, you can enjoy the new romantic hair jewels. Select pieces that evoke thoughts of romantic periods from the past. For short to medium tresses look for delicate accent pieces that contain rich details, delicate, open or pierced styling.
      For longer or thicker locks check out slightly larger jewelry designs such as the new hair slides and loops that feature open-worked styling to present a delicate appearance and balance. These sizzling hot new designs are also perfect to offset a classic French Twist or updo.
      Delicate pearl and cameo studded hair clips along with soft-colored light blue and rose gemstone hairpins are also traditionally associated with romantic hair accessories. Use them to accent or anchor a beautiful cascade or curls. Mother-of-pearl barrettes, headbands and ponies are also a staple of a well-rounded romantic hair jewelry wardrobe.
      FranceLuxe luxury hair jewels are considered to be the most beautiful hair ornaments in the world. FranceLuxe is availablein a number of rich shades and designs at HairBoutique.com (www.hairboutique.com) or by calling 1-866-469-4247.

HairBoutique.com was mentioned in the St. Petersburg Times regarding the new HairLoop product carried in the Hairboutique.com Marketplace.

Hair accessory moves up to precious metals Tired of wearing kid's accessories in your hair? Here's a fancier option: the HairLoop, jewelry for your hair.

Company founder Jennifer Bahney created the HairLoop because she wanted a hair accessory, "with precious metals, not cheap plastic or nickel accessories."

Available in silver, gold and Swarovski crystals, the HairLoop looks like a ponytail holder with jewels dangling from the leather loop. Any woman who can pull her hair back can wear a HairLoop without fear of it slipping out or damaging hair.

Prices range from $12 to $15 for the silver or gold-plated versions to $80 for the 14-karat gold HairLoops.

They are available at www.hairboutique.com and will soon be in major department stores nationwide.