Haircare appliance

Abstract

A haircare appliance comprising a hair contact surface, and a shaping member configured to change the shape of the hair contact surface between two or more profiles. The hair care appliance also comprises a heater configured to heat hair in contact with the hair contact surface in use.

Description

[0001] HAIRCARE APPLIANCE

[0002] BACKGROUND

[0003] Haircare appliances are known for styling hair. Some haircare appliances (e.g. hair straighteners) include arms, between which hair to be styled can be clamped. In some cases, heat can be used to facilitate shaping of hair clamped between the arms.

[0004] SUMMARY

[0005] In a first aspect, there is disclosed a haircare appliance comprising: a hair contact surface; a shaping member configured to change the shape of the hair contact surface between two or more profiles; and a heater configured to heat hair in contact with the hair contact surface in use.

[0006] The provision of hair contact surface that can change shape (and a shaping member that can change the shape of the hair contact surface) provides a more versatile haircare appliance. For example, different hair contact surface shapes may be used to apply different styles to hair. Accordingly, a user can change the shape of the hair contact surface (via the shaping member) to alter the result provided by the haircare appliance in use. This can be performed, for example, without removing and replacing any components of the haircare appliance.

[0007] Optional features of the first aspect will now be set out. These are applicable singly or in any combination with any aspect.

[0008] The hair contact surface may extend in a longitudinal direction. The hair contact surface may be elongate in the longitudinal direction. A length of the hair contact surface may be taken in a direction along the longitudinal axis. A transverse direction may extend perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

[0009] The hair contact surface may have first and second ends spaced apart in the longitudinal direction. The hair contact surface may have first and second opposite edges spaced apart in the transverse direction. The term “profile” may refer to a cross-sectional shape of the hair contact surface taken in a plane that is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

[0010] In at least one of the two or more profiles the hair contact surface may substantially planar.

[0011] At least one profile of the two or more profiles may be convex or concave. In this way, hair passing over the hair contact surface may extend along a non-linear (i.e. non-straight) path. The convex or concave profile may be curved. In other embodiments, the convex or concave profile may be formed by a plurality of connected linear sections (i.e. approximating a curve).

[0012] The shaping member may be configured to change the shape of the hair contact surface to adjust a radius of curvature of the profile of the hair contact surface. Such adjustment may allow adjustment of the path along which hair in contact with the hair contact surface extends. This may alter the styling effect applied by the appliance to hair passing over the hair contact surface. In some examples, the shaping member may be, or comprise, an actuator.

[0013] At least one profile of the two or more profiles may comprise one or more crests. An apex of at least one crest (e.g. each crest) may have a radius of curvature that is less than 0.5 mm, or e.g. less than 1.0 mm, or e.g. less than 2.0 mm. In such embodiments, the at least one crest may form a substantially sharp edge. In some embodiments, an apex of at least one crest (e.g. each crest) may have a radius of curvature that is more than 2.0 mm or e.g. more than 3.0 mm, or e.g. more than 5.0 mm, or e.g. more than 8.0 mm. In such embodiment, the at least one crest may form a radiused edge. Each crest may be elongate and may extend longitudinally.

[0014] At least one profile of the two or more profiles may comprise one or more troughs. A nadir of at least one trough (e.g. each trough) may have radius of curvature that is less than 0.5 mm, or e.g. less than 1.0 mm, or e.g. less than 2.0 mm. A nadir of at least one trough (e.g. each trough) may have a radius of curvature that is more than 2.0 mm or e.g. more than 3.0 mm, or e.g. more than 5.0 mm, or e.g. more than 8.0 mm. Each trough may be elongate and may extend longitudinally.

[0015] In some embodiments, at least one profile of the two or more profiles may have troughs and crests that are side-by-side in an alternating arrangement. For example, the at least one profile may have a zig-zag or serpentine shape. Accordingly, the shaping member may be configured to change the shape of the hair contact surface to a corrugated shape. In such embodiment, hair passing across the hair contact surface (when in the corrugated shape) may follow a non-linear path (e.g. a zig-zag or a serpentine path).

[0016] The shaping member may be configured to change the shape of the hair contact surface to adjust a distance between neighbouring troughs and / or crests of the profile. Thus, the shaping member may be configured to adjust a wavelength of the profile of the hair contact surface. The wavelength may be taken as the distance between a pair of adjacent apices or a pair of neighbouring nadirs of the profile.

[0017] At least one profile of the two or more profiles (e.g. any one of the above discussed profiles), may be substantially uniform for a length of the hair contact surface. In other embodiments, the profile of the hair contact surface may vary along the length of the hair contact surface.

[0018] In at least one of the two or more profiles the second end of the hair contact surface may be rotated relative to the first end about an axis extending between the first and second ends. In this way, the hair contact surface may be twisted about the axis. The shaping member may be configured to rotate the second end of the hair contact surface relative to the first end of the hair contact surface about the axis.

[0019] The shaping member may be configured to change the shape of the hair contact surface by moving opposite edges of the hair contact surface towards or away from one another. In such embodiments, the hair contact surface may be configured to flex when the opposite edges are moved towards or away from one another. Such flexing may result in the hair contact surface having a convex or concave profile as discussed above. In some embodiments, the hair contact surface may comprise one or more lines of weakness (e.g. extending between the opposite first and second ends of the hair contact surface). In such embodiment, when the shaping member moves the opposite edges of the hair contact surface towards one another, the hair contact surface may bend along the lines of weakness so as to concertina (e.g. providing the crests and troughs as discussed above).

[0020] The shaping member may be fixed directly the hair contact surface to provide such movement, or may be indirectly connected to the hair contact surface.

[0021] In some embodiments the shaping member may be configured to change the shape of the hair contact surface by moving in a direction that is parallel to an in-plane direction of the hair contact surface. For the avoidance of any doubt, the in-plane direction is a direction along a plane extending between opposite edges of the hair contact surface.

[0022] In some embodiments, the shaping member may be configured to change the shape of the hair contact surface by moving in a direction that is perpendicular to an in-plane direction of the hair contact surface. The shaping member may, for example, comprise portions that move at different rates, or move different distances (i.e. in the out of plane direction) so as to provide the hair contact surface with a non-planar shape (i.e. with a non-linear profile).

[0023] The shaping member may comprise a plurality of segments that are moveably (e.g. pivotably) connected to provide an articulated structure. For example, the plurality of segments may comprise two or more segments and each segment may be moveably connected to each other segment. The hair contact surface may form part of, or may be supported by, the articulated structure. The plurality of segments may comprise elongate strips arranged in a side-by-side manner. Alternatively or additionally, the plurality of segments may comprise an array of polygonal segments. The polygonal segments may comprise segments with a quadrilateral profile, such as diamond-shaped segments or rectangular segments. Alternatively, or additionally, the polygonal segments may comprise segments with a triangular, pentagonal, or hexagonal profile. An overlayer may overlie the plurality of segments. The hair contact surface may be a surface of the overlayer. The overlayer may be a flexible layer. The overlayer may be elastic. The overlayer may comprise a low-friction material (e.g. a low-friction coating). The overlayer may connect the plurality of segments. In this way, the overlayer may allow relative movement between the segments while maintaining connection between the segments.

[0024] The haircare appliance may comprise a user interface operatively connected to the shaping member. The shaping member may be configured to change the shape of the hair contact surface in response to a user input received by the user interface. The user interface may be operatively connected to the shaping member electronically and / or mechanically. The user interface may comprise, for example, a switch, pushbutton, touchscreen, microphone (for e.g. a sound input), accelerometer (for e.g. a gesture input), etc.

[0025] The shaping member may comprise an electromechanical device (e.g. a motor). The electromechanical device may be configured to move in response to user input received by the user interface (i.e. to change the shape of the hair contact surface).

[0026] The shaping member may be configured to selectively retain the hair contact surface in each of the two or more different profiles. Accordingly, the hair contact surface may be moved to a profile and then retained in that profile by the shaping member. In this way, a user may not have to actively retain the hair contact surface in a particular profile by e.g. maintaining pressure on a switch or pushbutton.

[0027] The heater may comprise a heating element. The heating element may be adjacent to or proximate to the hair contact surface. The heating element may be arranged for conduction of heat to the hair contact surface. The heater may additionally or alternatively be arranged to heat an airflow directed onto or towards hair in contact with the hair contact surface in use. The hair contact surface may be a first hair contact surface and the haircare appliance may comprise a second hair contact surface. The first and second hair contact surfaces may be arranged to selectively clamp hair therebetween in use.

[0028] The shaping member or a further shaping member may be configured to configured to change the shape of the second hair contact surface so as to be complementary to the shape of the first hair contact surface. In this way, when brought together, the first and second hair contact surfaces may be able to come into close contact (i.e. across the full area of each surface) and / or may be able to form a space of substantially uniform height therebetween (the height being the distance between the two surfaces).

[0029] The haircare appliance may comprise first and second arms. The first arm may comprise the first hair contact surface. The second arm may comprise the second hair contact surface. The first and second arms may be movably connected (e.g. pivotably connected) so as to be movable between an open position for insertion of hair between the first and second hair contact surfaces, and a clamped position for clamping hair between the first and second hair contact surfaces.

[0030] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] Figure l is a schematic side view of a haircare appliance.

[0032] Figures 2A, 2B and 2C are perspective views showing a first example plate assembly in first, second and third positions.

[0033] Figures 3 A and 3B are front and bottom views of a second example plate assembly in a first position.

[0034] Figure 3C is a front view of the second example plate assembly in a second position.

[0035] Figures 4A and 4B are front and bottom views of a third example plate assembly in a first position.

[0036] Figures 4C is a bottom view of the third example plate assembly in a second position.

[0037] Figure 5 is a perspective view of a fourth example plate assembly.

[0038] Figure 6 is a perspective view of a fifth example plate assembly. Figures 7A and 7B are schematic views of a sixth example plate assembly respectively in first and second positions.

[0039] Figures 8A and 8B are schematic views of a seventh example plate assembly respectively in first and second positions.

[0040] Figure 9 is a perspective view of an eighth example plate assembly.

[0041] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0042] Figure 1 depicts a haircare appliance in the form of a hair straightening device 10. The hair straightening device 10 includes first 11 and second 12 elongate arms, each of which extends from a respective proximal end 13 to a distal free end 14.

[0043] The first 11 and second 12 arms include respective first 15 and second 16 hair contact surfaces that face one another and that are elongate in the direction of elongation of the arms 11, 12 (i.e. in a direction between the proximal 13 and distal 14 ends of the arms 11, 12). Each hair contact surface 15, 16 extends in a longitudinal direction from a first end 21 (located towards the proximal end 13 of the arm 11, 12) to a second end 22 (located towards the distal end 14 of the arm 11, 12). The length of each hair contact surface 15, 16 thus extends in a direction between the first end 21 and the second end 22.

[0044] The hair contact surfaces 15, 16 are for contact with a user’s hair in use. Each of these hair contact surfaces 15, 16 is heated by a respective heater in the form of an electric heating element 17 (shown schematically in Figure 1), which may be flexible to accommodate any movement of the hair contact surface 15, 16. The heating elements 17 heat the hair contact surfaces 15, 16 so as to heat hair in contact with the hair contact surfaces 15, 16 in use. In other embodiments, hair in contact with the hair contact surfaces 15, 16 may instead be heated by heated air (e.g. discharged onto the hair).

[0045] The elongate arms 11, 12 are hingedly connected to one another at their respective proximal ends 13 by a hinge 18. This allows the arms 11, 12 to move between an open position (as depicted in Figure 1) and a clamped position. In the open position, hair can be inserted between the first 11 and second 12 arms (in particular, between the first 15 and second 16 hair contact surfaces), and in the clamped position (in which the arms 11, 12 are brought together), the hair can be clamped between the hair contact surfaces 15, 16. The clamping of the hair between the hair contact surfaces 15, 16 shapes (e.g. straightens) the hair and the application of heat to the hair (via the hair contact surfaces 15, 16) facilitates this shaping of the hair.

[0046] The device 10 further includes two shaping members 26 which operatively connected to, and driven by, a motor 36 to move, so as to change the shape of the hair contact surfaces 15, 16. The motor 36 is controlled via a user interface 35 in the form of a switch configured to be toggled by a user.

[0047] Figures 2A, 2B, and 2C schematically illustrate a first example of how the hair contact surfaces 15, 16 may change shape (i.e. as caused by one or more shaping members that are not shown). In these figures, the hair contact surfaces 15, 16 are surfaces of first 19 and second 20 flexible plates (collectively referred to herein as a plate assembly 39). In Figure 2A, the plates 19, 20 (and thus the hair contact surfaces 15, 16) are in a first position (i.e. having a first profile) in which they are substantially planar. Each hair contact surface 15, 16 has opposite edges 23 that are spaced transversely and that extend longitudinally between the first 21 and second 22 ends of the hair contact surface 15, 16.

[0048] In Figure 2B each plate is in a second position, in which the shape of each plate 19, 20 has been changed by interaction with one or more shaping members. In this figure, both plates 19, 20 are curved such that the first hair contact surface 15 has a curved concave profile and the second hair contact surface 16 has a curved convex profile (both profiles being taken in a plane that is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the respective hair contact surface 15, 16). In this way, the first 15 and second 16 hair contact surfaces are shaped so as to be complementary to one another.

[0049] As may be appreciated, changing the profile of the hair contact surfaces 15, 16 in this manner, changes the effect the hair contact surfaces 15, 16 have on hair that is clamped between them. Accordingly, the change in profile of the hair contact surfaces 15, 16 allows a user to apply different styling without, for example, needing to replace the plates 19, 20 with plates of a different shape. As an example, when the hair contact surfaces 15, 16 are planar clamping hair may straighten the hair, whereas when the hair contact surfaces 15, 16 have a curved profile as shown in Figure 2B, a user may be able to apply a wavy or curled shape to their hair.

[0050] In Figure 2C, each plate 19, 20 is in a third position in which the shape of each hair contact surfaces 15, 16 is further modified from that shown in Figure 2B. In particular, a radius of curvature of each hair contact surface 15, 16 (and each plate 19, 20) has been reduced by the one or more shaping members. In other words, hair clamped between the hair contact surfaces 15, 16 (i.e. extending in a transverse direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction) in use will extend along a path that has a smaller radius of curvature than as would be in the case with the profile depicted in Figure 2B. In this way, the user may be able to apply yet a further style to their hair (e.g. tighter waves and / or curls than those provided by the arrangement of Figure 2B).

[0051] The shape of each hair contact surface 15, 16, as illustrated in Figures 2 A, 2B and 2C, is changed by movement of the opposite edges 23 of each hair contact surface 15, 16 towards one another. As may be appreciated, this may be achieved by one or more shaping members being configured to move the opposite edges 23 towards one another. Such movement could be performed by way of e.g. a motor and a mechanical connection between the motor and the edges opposite edges 23 of each hair contact surface 15, 16.

[0052] In the example of Figures 2A, 2B and 2C, the hair contact surfaces 15, 16 are able to change shape due to flexing of the plates 19, 20. In the example of Figures 3A, 3B and 3C, the hair contact surface 15 instead forms part of a flexible overlayer 24 which flexes to change the shape of the hair contact surface 15, and which overlies a plurality of segments 25. . In these figures, only a first hair contact surface 15 is illustrated, but it should be appreciated that a second first hair contact surface can be provided in a similar manner.

[0053] The plurality of segments 25 are elongate side-by-side strips extending in the longitudinal direction (each extending for the entire length of the overlayer 24) and are spaced from one another in the transverse direction. The segments 25 are connected by their connection with the overlayer 24, such that the combination of the segments 25 and overlayer effectively provides an articulated structure.

[0054] As should be apparent from Figure 3B, the spacing between the segments 25, and the flexible nature of the overlayer 24, allows the first hair contact surface 15 to be shaped by a shaping member to have a curved convex profile (although it should be appreciated that other profiles, such as a concave profile, are also achievable). When shaped in this way, contact between the segments 25 prevents further bending of the overlayer 24. As may be appreciated, the elongate shape of the segments 25, and their spacing, restricts bending of the overlayer 24 to the transverse direction (i.e. the segments 25 are unable to bend along their length, but the articulated arrangement of the segments 25 allows bending of the assembly as a whole in the transverse direction). The profile of the first hair contact surface 15, when shaped in this manner, is uniform along the length of the first hair contact surface 15 (i.e. taken in the longitudinal direction).

[0055] Figures 4A, 4B and 4C illustrate a further example, which is similar to that shown in Figures 3 A, 3B and 3C, except that the segments 25 are a different shape. The segments 25 of the example of Figures 4A, 4B, and 4C are triangular or diamond shaped. In some examples, the segments 25 may include segments with a pentagonal profile toward the edge of the overlayer 24. These diamond-shaped segments 25 are evenly spaced from one another in a grid-like array.

[0056] The segments 25 are, again, connected by a flexible overlayer 24 which overlies and connects the segments 25. This provides an articulated structure which can be shaped (by a shaping member) to provide the hair contact surface 15 with a curved convex profile. As may be appreciated, though, other shapes are also achievable with the arrangement illustrated in Figures 4A, 4B, and 4C (including those where the profile of the first hair contact surface 15 is non-uniform over a length of the first hair contact surface).

[0057] In the preceding examples, the hair contact surfaces 15, 16 are moveable to a profile having a concave or convex shape. Figures 5 and 6 illustrate examples in which the shape of each hair contact surfaces 15, 16 can be changed to form a corrugated shape. In each of the examples of Figures 5 and 6, each hair contact surfaces 15, 16 has a profile that comprises a plurality of crests 37 alternating (in the transverse direction) with troughs 38. These crests and troughs extend longitudinally for the length of the respective hair contact surface 15, 16 to provide the hair contact surface 15, 16 with the abovementioned corrugated shape.

[0058] In Figure 5, the profile of each hair contact surface 15, 16 has a serpentine or sinusoidal shape (i.e. the profile of each crest and trough is curved). On the other hand, the profile of each hair contact surface 15, 16 of the example of Figure 6 has a zig-zag shape (i.e. each crest and trough comprises a sharp transition). This shape may be provided, for example, by longitudinally extending lines of weakness formed in the flexible plate 19, 20 of which the hair contact surface 15, 16 forms part of.

[0059] As well as being configured to form the corrugated shapes of Figures 5 and 6 the one or more shaping members can be configured to change a wavelength of the corrugated shape (defined as the distance between two adjacent troughs or crests). Changing the profile of the hair contact surfaces 15, 16 in this way can alter the style applied by the hair contact surfaces 15, 16 when hair is clamped therebetween.

[0060] Figures 7A and 7B illustrate one example arrangement for forming the serpentine profile described above (and shown in Figure 5). This arrangement could equally provide the zigzag profile as described above, or the concave / convex profiles as also described above. Figures 7A and 7B illustrate only a first hair contact surface 15 (and a corresponding first plate 19), but it should be appreciated that the same arrangement can be provided for changing the shape of a second hair contact surface when present.

[0061] In this example, a shaping member 26 is provided in the form of a moveable element configured to move towards and away from the first flexible plate 19 (of which the first hair contact surface 15 forms a part of). The shaping member 26 includes a non-planar engagement surface 27 facing a rear surface 28 of the first plate 19. A plurality of spaced apart pins 29 are positioned between the rear surface 28 of the first plate 19 and the engagement surface 27 of the shaping member 26. In use, the shaping member 26 can be moved towards the first plate 19 (i.e. perpendicular to an in-plane direction of the first plate 19) such that the engagement surface 27 engages the pins 29, which in turn engage the rear surface 28 of the first plate 19 to deform the first plate 19. The non-planar nature of the engagement surface 27 means that the distance the pins 29 move (in response to engagement with the engagement surface 27) varies between pins 29. This causes varying deformation of the first plate 19 (and thus the first hair contact surface 15) in the direction of movement of shaping member 26. In the illustrated example, the shaping member 26 has a zig-zag shaped profile, resulting in the first hair contact surface 15 having a serpentine (or sinusoidal) profile when the shaping member is fully engaged with the pins 29 (as shown in Figure 7B).

[0062] As may be appreciated, the shaping member 26 may be driven mechanically (e.g. by a user moving a switch or lever) or electromechanically (e.g. by a motor).

[0063] Figures 8A and 8B schematically illustrate a further example arrangement for forming the zig-zag shaped profile described above (and shown in Figure 6). In this case, the first hair contact surface 15 is provided as part of an first articulated plate 19. The first plate 19 includes a plurality of segments 25 that are connected to one another by joints 30 allowing relative rotation between the segments 25 (these joints 30 may be provided by an overlayer, in a similar manner to the arrangement shown in Figure 3 A).

[0064] The arrangement includes a shaping member 26, which in this case is in the form of a sliding element, which can be moved in a direction that is parallel to an in-plane direction of the first plate 19 (as illustrated by arrow 33). The shaping member 26 is connected to a moveable edge 31 of the first plate 19 such that when the shaping member 26 is moved, it causes the moveable edge 31 to be moved towards an opposite, fixed edge 32 of the first plate 19. This causes the first plate 19 to be compressed in the transverse direction (across the page as illustrated), and due to the articulated arrangement of the first plate 19, this compression causes the first plate 19 to concertina (i.e. to collapse in an accordion-like manner). This results in the zig-zag shaped profile as shown in Figure 8B. Figure 9 shows yet a further example of an arrangement of first 19 and second 20 plates and first 15 and second 16 corresponding hair contact surfaces. In this example, two shaping members 26 in the form of rotating elements are provided to change the shape of the hair contact surfaces 15, 16. In particular, each shaping members 26 is fixed to the first end 21 of a respective plate 19, 20 (and thus hair contact surface 15, 16) and is arranged to rotate about a respective central longitudinal axis of the plate 19, 20 (such rotation indicated by arrows 34). The opposite, second end 22, of each plate 19, 20 is fixed (i.e. unable to rotate), although in other embodiments the rotating / fixed ends of the plates may be reversed. When the shaping members 26 are rotated, the second end 22 of each plate 19, 20 is rotated relative to the first end 21 of the plate 19, 20, causing the plate to twist. This results in each hair contact surface 15, 16 having a twisted shape. As may be appreciated, when shaped in this manner, the profile of each hair contact surface 15, 16 varies along the length of the hair contact surface 15, 16.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A haircare appliance comprising: a hair contact surface; a shaping member configured to change a shape of the hair contact surface between two or more profiles; and a heater configured to heat hair in contact with the hair contact surface in use.

2. The haircare appliance according to claim 1, wherein in at least one of the two or more profiles the hair contact surface is substantially planar.

3. The haircare appliance according to claim 1 or 2, wherein at least one profile of the two or more profiles is convex or concave.

4. The haircare appliance according to claim 3, wherein the shaping member is configured to change the shape of the hair contact surface to adjust a radius of curvature of the profile of the hair contact surface.

5. The haircare appliance according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one profile of the two or more profiles comprises one or more crests.

6. The haircare appliance according to claim 5, wherein an apex of at least one crest has a radius of curvature that is less than 2 mm.

7. The haircare appliance according to claim 5, wherein an apex of at least one crest has a radius of curvature that is more than 2 mm.

8. The haircare appliance according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one profile of the two or more profiles comprises one or more of troughs.

9. The haircare appliance according to claim 8, wherein a nadir of at least one trough has a radius of curvature that is less than 2 mm.

10. The haircare appliance according to claim 8, wherein a nadir of at least one trough has a radius of curvature that is more than 2 mm.

11. The haircare appliance according to any one of claim 5 to 10, wherein the shaping member is configured to change the shape of the hair contact surface to adjust a distance between neighbouring troughs and / or crests of the profile.

12. The haircare appliance according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the hair contact surface comprises first and second opposite ends, and wherein in at least one profile of the two or more profiles, the second end of the hair contact surface is rotated relative to the first end about an axis extending between the first and second ends, such that the hair contact surface is twisted about the axis.

13. The haircare appliance according to claim 12, wherein the shaping member is configured to rotate the second end of the hair contact surface relative to the first end of the hair contact surface about the axis.

14. The haircare appliance according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the shaping member is configured to change the shape of the hair contact surface by moving opposite edges of the hair contact surface towards or away from one another.

15. The haircare appliance according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the shaping member is configured to change the shape of the hair contact surface by moving in a direction that is parallel to an in-plane direction of the hair contact surface.

16. The haircare appliance according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the shaping member is configured to move in a direction that is perpendicular to an in-plane direction of the hair contact surface.

17. The haircare appliance according to any one of the preceding claims comprises a plurality of segments moveably connected to one another to provide an articulated structure, the hair contact surface forming part of, or being supported on, the articulated structure.

18. The haircare appliance according to claim 17, wherein the plurality of segments comprises elongate strips arranged in a side-by-side manner.

19. The haircare appliance according to claim 17 or 18, wherein the plurality of segments comprises an array of polygonal segments.

20. The haircare appliance according to any one of claims 17 to 19, wherein an overlayer overlies the plurality of segments, and wherein the hair contact surface is a surface of the overlayer.

21. The haircare appliance according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a user interface operatively connected to the shaping member, wherein the shaping member is configured to change the shape of the hair contact surface in response to a user input received by the user interface.

22. The haircare appliance according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the shaping member is configured to selectively retain the hair contact surface in at least one of the two or more profiles.

23. The haircare appliance according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the hair contact surface is a first hair contact surface and the haircare appliance comprises a second hair contact surface, the first and second hair contact surfaces arranged to selectively clamp hair therebetween in use.

24. The haircare appliance according to claim 23, wherein the shaping member or a further shaping member is configured to configured to change the shape of the second hair contact surface so as to be complementary to the shape of the first hair contact surface.

25. The haircare appliance according to claim 23 or 24, comprising a first arm comprising the first hair contact surface and a second arm comprising the second hair contact surface, and wherein the first and second arms are movably connected so as to be movable between: an open position for insertion of hair between the first and second hair contact surfaces; and a clamped position for clamping hair between the first and second hair contact surfaces.

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