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{{Spoiler|HM|PAS|MA}}
{{Pottermoreold}}
 
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{{Ingredient infobox
{{Youmay|unicorn hair in general|[[Unicorn tail hair|unicorn tail hair]]}}
 
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|name = Unicorn tail hair
[[File:Unicorn-hair.png|thumb|right|A bunch of unicorn hairs.]]
 
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|image = Unicorn-tail-hair-lrg.png
{{Quote|But my dear chap, do you know how much that's worth?|[[Horace Slughorn]] commented to [[Rubeus Hagrid|Hagrid]] upon seeing bunches of Unicorn hair hanging around [[Rubeus Hagrid's cabin|Hagrid's cabin]]|Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince}}
 
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|alias =
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|usage = *[[Beautification Potion]]<ref name="WBP"/>
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*[[Potent Exstimulo Potion]]<ref name="WU">{{WU}}</ref>
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*[[Wand core]]s<ref name="PS5"/><ref name="GOF18"/><ref name="DH24"/><ref name="Wand cores"/>
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|madefrom = [[Unicorn]]s<ref name="PM"/>
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|characteristics = Silver in colour<ref name="PM">{{PM}}</ref>
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|properties = Could bind bandages<ref name="HBP22"/>
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}}
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{{Dialogue a-b|[[Firenze]]|Harry Potter, do you know what [[unicorn blood]] is used for?|[[Harry Potter]]|No. We've only used the [[Unicorn horn|horn]] and tail hair in [[Potions (class)|Potions]].|A very serious question|Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone}}
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'''Unicorn hair''' was a powerful [[magic]]al substance with a variety of uses, originating on the body of a [[unicorn]].<ref name="PM"/> It could be used as the [[Wand core|core]] of [[wand]]s and was one of the [[Supreme Cores|three supreme]] core types.<ref name="PS5"/><ref name="GOF18"/><ref name="DH24"/><ref name="Wand cores"/> It was frequently shed from the [[creature]].<ref name="PM"/>
   
 
==[[Wandlore]]==
The '''hair''' from a [[unicorn]] can be used to comprise the [[wand core|core]] of a [[wand]]. It is also very strong and useful. [[Rubeus Hagrid]] collected it from the forest where it got caught up in trees and bushes and used it to bind bandages. As of early 1997, Unicorn hair was worth 10 [[Galleons]] a hair, according to [[Horace Slughorn]].
 
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Unicorn hair could be used in [[wand]]-making, as [[wand core]]s. Wands with these cores produced the most consistent magic, were least subject to fluctuations and blockages, were most difficult to turn to the [[Dark Arts]], and were the most faithful of wands.<ref name="Wand cores">{{WW|wand-cores}}</ref> However, they did not make the most powerful of wands (unless the [[wand wood]] compensated) and were prone to [[wilting|melancholy]] if mishandled.<ref name="Wand cores" /> The [[wandmaker]] [[Garrick Ollivander]] made wands with unicorn hairs.<ref name="PS5">{{PS|B|5}}</ref><ref name="GOF18" /><ref name="DH24" /><ref name="Wand cores"/>
   
 
==Known uses==
The [[Unicorn tail hair|tail hair]] can be used in [[Potion]]s.
 
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Unicorn tail hairs were also used in [[potion]]s, though their exact uses and properties were unknown,<ref name="PS15">{{PS|B|15}}</ref> although the [[Beautification Potion]] was known to contain them.<ref name="WBP">{{WBP}}</ref> This was commented on by [[Harry Potter]] during conversation with [[Firenze]] in the [[Forbidden Forest]].<ref name="PS15" />
   
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[[Rubeus Hagrid]] found that unicorn hairs could be used to bind bandages.<ref name="HBP22">{{HBP|B|22}}</ref>
==Wandlore==
 
Unicorn hair generally produces the most consistent magic, and is least subject to fluctuations and blockages. Wands with unicorn cores are generally the most difficult to turn to the Dark Arts. They are the most faithful of all wands, and usually remain strongly attached to their first owner, irrespective of whether he or she was an accomplished witch or wizard.<ref name="Pottermore">[http://lady-slytherin-forever.tumblr.com/post/8977640199/wand-cores-off-of-pottermore New Wandcore information from pottermore]</ref>
 
   
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A recommended remedy for skin contact with [[Armadillo Bile Mixture]] was to wash the affected area with unicorn hair.<ref name="HPWC">{{HPWC}} {{see image|File:Gallery labels 003.jpg}}</ref>
Minor disadvantages of unicorn hair are that they do not make the most powerful wands (although the wand wood may compensate) and that they are prone to melancholy if seriously mishandled, meaning that the hair may ‘die’ and need replacing.<ref name="Pottermore"/>
 
   
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===Wands with unicorn hair cores===
==Known uses==
 
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<gallery widths="110" orientation="square" position="center">
*In [[Garrick Ollivander]]'s [[Ollivanders Wand Shop|Wand Shop]], the owner [[Garrick Ollivander|Mr. Ollivander]] was known to use unicorn hairs as one of his three cores; the others being [[dragon]] [[Dragon heartstring|heartstring]] and [[phoenix]] [[Phoenix feather|feather]].
 
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Penny Haywood's wand HM.png|[[Penny Haywood's wand]]<ref name="HM3PFYT">{{HM|3|Penny for Your Thoughts}}</ref>
*Hagrid collected stray hairs from the forest for use in bandaging magical creatures, due to its strength.
 
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Ron weasley first wand.jpg|[[Ron Weasley's first wand]]<ref name="PS6">{{PS|B|6}}</ref>
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RonWeasleyWandNN8413.jpg|[[Ronald Weasley's second wand]]<ref name="POA4">{{POA|B|4}}</ref>
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Neville's wand.jpg|[[Neville Longbottom's second wand]]<ref name="HBP7">{{HBP|B|7}}</ref>
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Draco Malfoy Wand.jpg|[[Draco Malfoy's wand]]<ref name="DH24">{{DH|B|24}}</ref>
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Remus wand.jpg|[[Remus Lupin's wand]]<ref name="Lupin">{{WW|remus-lupin}}</ref>
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Cedricdiggorywandnn8202.jpg|[[Cedric Diggory's wand]]<ref name="GOF18">{{GOF|B|18}}</ref>
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Quirrell wand.png|[[Quirinus Quirrell's wand]]<ref name="PM-Quirrell">{{PM}} - [https://web.archive.org/web/20160319222438/https://www.pottermore.com/explore-the-story/quirinus-quirrell Quirinus Quirrell fact file]</ref>
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Mary cattermoles wand.jpg|[[Mary Cattermole's wand]]<ref name="DH13">{{DH|B|13}}</ref>
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ProfSybilTrelawneyWandNN8254.jpg|[[Sybill Trelawney's wand]]<ref name="PM-Trelawney">[https://web.archive.org/web/20191002071548/https://www.pottermore.com/explore-the-story/sybill-trelawney Sybill Trelawney fact file] at {{PM}} (archived)</ref>
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</gallery>
   
==Known wands==
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==Behind the scenes==
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*Unicorn hair is worth ten [[Galleon]]s for each hair, according to [[Horace Slughorn]]. However, this may be inaccurate as he was drunk at the time, and a wand (which may contain such a hair) only costs seven. Although, as this seven Galleon price for a wand was established in {{PS}} and unicorn hairs being ten Galleons was mentioned during {{HBP}}, it is possible that there was an inflation in the price of unicorn hair during the intervening years. It is also possible the price difference between selling unicorn hair as raw material in comparison to an altered material as wand cores, and/or that a single hair may be long enough to be cut in two for use as two wand cores (most wands are 9 to 14 inches long, and obviously a core is always shorter than the whole wand).
The following wands have a unicorn hair core:
 
   
 
==Appearances==
*[[Mary Cattermole]]'s [[Mary Cattermole's wand|wand]]
 
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*{{PS}} {{1st}}
*[[Cedric Diggory]]'s [[Cedric Diggory's wand|wand]]
 
 
*{{PS|F}} {{Mention}}
*[[Neville Longbottom]]'s [[Neville Longbottom's second wand|second wand]]
 
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*{{PS|G}} {{Mention}}
*[[Draco Malfoy]]'s [[Draco Malfoy's wand|wand]]
 
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*{{POA}} {{Mention}}
*[[Quirinus Quirrell]]'s [[Quirinus Quirrell's wand|wand]]
 
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*{{GOF}} {{Mention}}
*[[Ronald Weasley|Ron Weasley]]'s [[Ronald Weasley's first wand|first]] and [[Ronald Weasley's second wand|second wand]]
 
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*{{HBP}}
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*{{DH}} {{Mention}}
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*{{PM}}
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*{{WW}}
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*{{WBP}}
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*{{HPK}} {{Mention}}
 
*''[[Harry Potter: The Wand Collection]]'' {{Mention}}
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*{{HM}}
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*{{WU}}
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*{{PAS}}
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*{{MA}}
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==Notes and references==
 
{{Reflist}}
   
 
==See also==
 
==See also==
*[[Unicorn tail hair]]
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*[[Unicorn blood]]
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*[[Unicorn horn]]
 
*[[Wand]]
 
*[[Wand]]
 
*[[Wand core]]
 
*[[Wand core]]
 
*[[Wandlore]]
 
*[[Wandlore]]
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[[de:Einhornhair]]
 
==Appearances==
 
*''[[Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire]]'' {{Mention}}
 
*''[[Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince]]'' {{1st}}
 
*''[[Pottermore]]'' {{Mention}}
 
 
==Notes and References==
 
{{Reflist}}
 
 
 
[[es:Pelo de Unicornio]]
 
[[es:Pelo de Unicornio]]
 
[[fr:Crin de licorne]]
 
[[fr:Crin de licorne]]
 
[[it:Crine di unicorno]]
 
[[it:Crine di unicorno]]
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[[ru:Шерсть единорога]]
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[[pt-br: Pelo de Unicórnio]]
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[[pl:Włos z ogona jednorożca]]
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[[Category:Hair]]
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[[Category:Healing magic]]
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[[Category:Medications]]
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[[Category:Potion ingredients]]
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[[Category:Rubeus Hagrid's possessions]]
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[[Category:Unicorn products|Hair]]
 
[[Category:Wand cores]]
 
[[Category:Wand cores]]

Latest revision as of 16:57, 11 February 2024

Firenze: "Harry Potter, do you know what unicorn blood is used for?"
Harry Potter: "No. We've only used the horn and tail hair in Potions."
— A very serious question[src]

Unicorn hair was a powerful magical substance with a variety of uses, originating on the body of a unicorn.[7] It could be used as the core of wands and was one of the three supreme core types.[3][4][5][6] It was frequently shed from the creature.[7]

Wandlore

Unicorn hair could be used in wand-making, as wand cores. Wands with these cores produced the most consistent magic, were least subject to fluctuations and blockages, were most difficult to turn to the Dark Arts, and were the most faithful of wands.[6] However, they did not make the most powerful of wands (unless the wand wood compensated) and were prone to melancholy if mishandled.[6] The wandmaker Garrick Ollivander made wands with unicorn hairs.[3][4][5][6]

Known uses

Unicorn tail hairs were also used in potions, though their exact uses and properties were unknown,[9] although the Beautification Potion was known to contain them.[1] This was commented on by Harry Potter during conversation with Firenze in the Forbidden Forest.[9]

Rubeus Hagrid found that unicorn hairs could be used to bind bandages.[8]

A recommended remedy for skin contact with Armadillo Bile Mixture was to wash the affected area with unicorn hair.[10]

Wands with unicorn hair cores

Behind the scenes

  • Unicorn hair is worth ten Galleons for each hair, according to Horace Slughorn. However, this may be inaccurate as he was drunk at the time, and a wand (which may contain such a hair) only costs seven. Although, as this seven Galleon price for a wand was established in Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone and unicorn hairs being ten Galleons was mentioned during Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, it is possible that there was an inflation in the price of unicorn hair during the intervening years. It is also possible the price difference between selling unicorn hair as raw material in comparison to an altered material as wand cores, and/or that a single hair may be long enough to be cut in two for use as two wand cores (most wands are 9 to 14 inches long, and obviously a core is always shorter than the whole wand).

Appearances

Notes and references

See also