Hi n2gethernow11 !!
Welcome to the forum.
Growing short hair out is a frustrating, long process. It's going to take a lot of patience to get through this stage, which is why you probably dreaded (pardon the pun) getting rid of your locks in the first place.
Grow it out as long as you can into at least a short 'fro and remember, the longer the better. Pick it out gently everyday and use a good conditioner. Receiving a relaxer is easier to deal with the longer the hair is and your hair will be even longer than you imagine when relaxer is in and done. TRUST the person giving you this very potent chemical. Too often, someone thinks they are an expert at giving a "perm" as they call it when they don't realize how easy it is to burn the hair off. And your hair might not break for a weak or more, yet it is usually due to poor relaxer skills and application. GET A PROFESSIONAL! They are really worth it, unless you don't care about losing your hair or even having bald patches.
You have already put your hair, scalp and hair follicles through enough keeping those dreads in. They all need a break and the hair that is about to grow out of your scalp may not be in the best condition or that strong. So it's best to let be for a while, condition it and take care of it.
As for it being strong enough to stand up, you'll find out when you get some growth to it. Then you have to think about...what IF you don't like the mohawk look, you'll have to grow all that out AGAIN.
(this is my look at this hair on my head look : )
If you're looking for something like the dreads that is no to low maintenance, consider what Allen Iverson gets done to his head. He gets the cornrows in yes, but they are always in a conversational, cool, (different) pattern each time.
Allen Iverson