Hair Loss Curse

• Incantation: Unknown (in the novels); Calvorio (video game)
• Pronunciation: Not applicable (canonically)
• Wand Movement: Unknown
• Light: Unknown
• Effect: Causes the victim's hair to fall out. The extent of the hair loss is not specified.
• Type: Curse, Dark Magic

The Hair Loss Curse is mentioned only once by name in the original novels. During Harry Potter's sixth year at Hogwarts, following his duel with Draco Malfoy in Moaning Myrtle's Bathroom where he used the `Sectumsempra` spell, he was confronted by Professor Snape. Snape demanded to see Harry's copy of Advanced Potion-Making to discover the source of the dark spell. When Harry refused, Snape attempted to use the Summoning Charm on the book. To prevent Snape from getting his specific copy, Harry used the same charm on all the books in the room, causing them to fly towards them. In the ensuing chaos, “a heavy book on Hair-Losing Curses” struck Harry hard on the head. The existence of a dedicated book on this topic implies that it is not a single spell, but rather a category of Dark Magic with multiple variations and applications.

As a curse, it is highly unlikely that this type of magic would be taught in the standard Hogwarts curriculum. The book detailing these curses was present in Professor Snape's office, suggesting it is a subject studied by those with an advanced interest in the Dark Arts or Defence Against the Dark Arts. It is the kind of literature one might find in the Restricted Section of the Hogwarts Library. No specific counter-spell or remedy is mentioned in the books. However, it is possible that general counter-curses or restorative potions, such as those that regrow bones (like `Skele-Gro`), could have a hair-regrowing equivalent.

The name “Hair Loss Curse” is purely descriptive of its effect. The non-canon incantation, Calvorio, introduced in the video games, is derived from the Latin word calvus, meaning “bald.” This is related to the English word calvity, which refers to baldness.

In the Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix video game, the Hair Loss Curse is a usable spell with the incantation Calvorio. Casting it causes the target's hair to vanish instantly (video game).