A hair styling apparatus includes first and second arms, each having respective first and second ends. The first and second arms are pivotably coupled to each other at least at the first end of the first arm for selective, pivotal movement relative to each other to configure the hair styling apparatus between an opened position and a closed position. A heating assembly has a first and second end. The second end of the heating assembly is pivotably coupled to the second end of the first arm. The heating assembly includes a heat plate having a hair-heating surface. The heat plate is spaced from the first arm in both the opened position and the closed position of the hair styling apparatus to define an air gap therebetween.
