Are dreadlocks old

Regarding the history and origins of dreadlocks, yes, they are old. They are probably the first worn hair style. I imagine thousands of years ago the neanderthals had pretty knotty locks. Sinse dreadlocks can form from simply not combing your hair, it makes sense that people long long ago had dreadlocks.

they have been around since history was recorded

the earliest bible verses mention dreadlocks and the earliest civilizations wore dreads.