Interesting question. I think dreadlocks can be really nice and sexy if done right and kept up well. As far as being unprofessional - I've seen dreads that are nicer looking and neater looking than some people without dreads keep their hair so I think that its like anything else - Its the amount of effort that you want to put into it. I found a really good web site about how to make them and how to maintain them. It acutally looks like a lot of work....... http://www.dreadheadhq.com/ There is a how to and a lot of good photos (imho both of how to do it well and how not to do it) on people of all races and hair types and hair lengths.

Not washing your hair may be one way to get them naturally, but from what I read you certainly can wash your hair, in the beginning you just have to wash it less often our you'll disturb the dreads too much. I would bet if you just don't wash your hair and let the dreads form naturally then you get the nasty matted look rather than the neat smooth look. They also said if you have you have to be very very dilligent about getting getting them dry all of the way through, especially if they are fat or they could mildew - ick!