Shiva devotees (Aghoris, Tantrics, Naga Sadhus) have matted
hair. There is story that happened during the reign of Daksha Prajapati which
explains why Shiva devotees wear matted hair.
A great yajna was performed once by sages at Prayag, the
confluence of three rivers, Ganga , Yamuna and
Saraswati. Shiva arrived at the yajna with Sati and all those assembled there
stood up and paid obeisance to Mahadev and Mata Sati. Shiva was seated with great honor.
Soon, Daksha Prajapati arrived at the yajna and everyone
stood up and paid respects to him out of fear. Daksha was arrogant due to his
superior status in Vedic society. Shiva remained in his seat and did not
acknowledge Daksha.
Daksha Prajapati considered this as a mark of disrespect and
angrily spoke in the yajna against Shiva. Daksha said that Shiva was uncultured
and mannerless. He continued insulting Mahadev by stating that he did not
expect anything more from his son-in-law whose attendants are goblins and ghosts
and who lives in cremation grounds.
Nandi, Shiva’s beloved attendant, could not tolerate the
arrogance of Daksha and rebuked him. Nandi reminded the arrogant prajapati that
just one glance of Shiva was enough to reduce him and his entourage into ashes.
Daksha was furious with Nandi for rebuking him in public. He
cursed that all Shiva attendants will be condemned as heretics and will have
matted hairs.
From that day onwards all Shiva attendants started wearing
matted hair.