Method and apparatus for manipulating the shape of hair

A hair styling apparatus comprising:

• first and second arms that are movable towards and away from one another;
• first and second electrodes provided on the first and second arms respectively, such that the first and second electrodes oppose one another;
• drive circuitry for supplying current to the first and second electrodes, to cause an alternating electric field to be produced in vicinity of the electrodes in use, and thereby cause dielectric heating of hair placed between the electrodes in use;
• current sensing circuitry that senses the current applied to the first and second electrodes;
• a microprocessor that receives an output signal from the current sensing circuitry, that determines, from changes in the output signal, a change in coupling of an electrical energy from the alternating electric field to the hair during the dielectric heating of the hair and that controls the drive circuitry to vary the current supplied to the first and second electrodes in dependence upon the determined change in coupling of energy from the alternating electric field to the hair during the dielectric heating of the hair.