Secular summer holidays are great. You barbecue and watch fireworks. Jewish summer holidays, however, aren’t quite as much fun. You fast; you pray — bring on the good times.

The first of them, the Fast of the 17th of Tammuz, is right around the corner, on July 17. For the three weeks between the 17th of Tammuz and the Ninth of Av, Jews are forbidden to get haircuts. For the last nine days, we’re forbidden to bathe. All this adds up to some really, really bad hair. Do yourself a favor and whip up this Bad Hair Day Hat from a nice, cool summer-weight yarn. It will camouflage your greasy locks, and the yarn braids will give you something to style instead. It’s also great for campers who haven’t quite adjusted to the communal shower.

BAD HAIR DAY HAT

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20 yards yarn

Scissors

Big needle (look for a tapestry needle or a yarn needle)

Lightweight knit cap in the same color as your yarn. (If you have a lot of time on your hands, knit your own. Otherwise, store-bought is fine)

1. Cut yarn into 30 pieces, each 2 feet long.

2. Thread needle with a piece of yarn. Pull strand of yarn through hat, 3 inches or so from the crown. Attach 14 more yarn strands in the same place. Make sure ends are even, then braid the whole hank together. Secure ends by wrapping a small piece of yarn around them several times and knotting securely.

3. Repeat Step 2 on other side of hat.

4. Tuck your hair under the hat and style your yarn braids any way you like. Wear them down, in chignons or looped up Heidi-style. For a more traditional look, add yarn payes.

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