I used to have dreadlocks and I want to do it again, but I'm scared.

Backstory here. So back in like 2017 I got extremely depressed and stopped taking care of myself. A friend of mine helped me snap out of it and got my back on my feet. My hair was disgusting and matted. I brushed out all of it beside one section behind my ear. Instead of brushing out the matte she turned it into a dreadlock for me. I LOVED it and learned how to do it and slowly filled the rest of my head. I felt more myself than I had in a long time. And imo it looked good on me. I kept them neat and clean and well styled unlike some white people with dreads. I can try and share a photo if people are curious. Point being these symbolized a very personal mental health journey for me.

Well fast forward to 2019 and the only job during the pandemic I could find was a hotel. During the interview he didnt realize I had them. I had loose bangs and a top layer of loose hair so it wasnt always noticable with it styled. Well, when my boss did finally notice he demanded I get rid of them. I needed the job so I did. I went to a salon and spent $300 and 8 hours getting two year old dreads undone and my hair was SUPER short afterward. I CRIED so hard. It hurt like hell and I was heartbroken.

Well I've regretted it ever since and spent a long time growing my hair out to put them back in. Im a stay at home mom now and run an online business so no boss to yell at me. My hair is almost there now, and my boyfriend came home today and told me that his new coworker is a loctician. He showed her my hair and my old dreads and she wants to do them for me.

I was so excited, but... the social climate and events and such in the past few years have given me pause. Ive been googling and I never realized it was such a hot button issue. No one ever said anything to me when I had them.

What are everyone's opinions on the issue?

https://imgur.com/gallery/c4wBYe1