Backcombing Vs. TnR
Dreading Methods
If you only crocheted once or twice, it will be able to easily fix itself over a few months. If it was done more than that, you might have to actively loosen them with jojoba oil or aloe in order to let the healing begin.
As far as who different locks look that were back combed and TnR'ed... Check out the recover and the timeline forums. I back combed 2-3 of my locks, and TnRed a few. The rest were completely natural. At this point I can't tell the difference between the methods. Once they mature, they look like locks. That is because all a starter method is is a blueprint for where you want the sections to be. They will untangle and retangle a lot in the first few months. This should happen and should not be touched except to wash and separate as needed. I posted a video on separating last week. you can check that out if you have any questions about it.
The only methods that make your locks look like anything different from natural locks is interlocking (This gives your locks a distinct braided look), crocheting (this makes them overly tight and look like sponges with all the tiny pores from the holes poked into them), and root rubbing/palm rolling (This makes your roots MUCH thinner and weaker than the lock itself. It can also make them fall off at some point under their own weight).
Obviously wax, too. But that just seems obvious. They'll look waxy and greasy.
Caucasian hair is no harder to lock up than African hair. If you say that yours naturally tangles and knots, then why not go natural and watch my vid on separating. There are a few good posts about it here too. Just follow them and ask questions as you go along.
And as for going out in public. If you need to look presentable, you can just tie them back in a loose ponytail. Or wear a plain black tam (that is very professional and no one will ask you questions about it). You could also try the locking gel from dreadlockshampoo.com. It's great. It's completely water soluble and does not leave any residue behind. It even starts to break down within the first day of use and is completely gone by the third day.. So you don't have to worry about using it every few days