WO2024236420A1

WO2024236420A1 - Hair styling appliance with baffle(s)

Info

Publication number: WO2024236420A1
Application number: PCT/IB2024/054439
Authority: WO
Inventors: Boon Sheng Teo; Brian Chan
Original assignee: Dyson Operations Pte Ltd
Current assignee: Dyson Operations Pte Ltd
Priority date: 2023-05-16
Filing date: 2024-05-07
Publication date: 2024-11-21
Anticipated expiration: 2025-11-16
Also published as: GB2630066A; CN121127158A; GB202307259D0

Abstract

A hair styling appliance includes first and second arms coupled together for reciprocal movement towards and away from each other, and arranged to receive hair within a drying region between each other. A plenum is disposed within at least one of the first arm and the second arm, the plenum comprising an air inlet for receiving airflow from a fan unit and an air outlet for emitting airflow towards hair within the drying region. At least a portion of the airflow passes through an exit region to exit the hair styling appliance after contacting the hair within the drying region. The hair styling appliance is operable in a first mode, in which the airflow exits the exit region, and a second mode, in which one or more baffles redirects at least part of airflow exiting the exit region, such that a velocity of at least some of the airflow is increased relative that of the airflow in the first mode.

Description

HAIR STYLING APPLIANCE WITH BAFFLE(S)

BACKGROUND

Heated hair styling appliances are designed to use the action of heat, mechanical means and/or airflow to form hair into a desired shape or style.

A hair straightener can utilise heated plates attached to pivoted arms that can be held, by a user, in a closed position with a tress of hair clamped between the heated plates. The tress of hair can be styled into a changed shape once the hair is heated above a transition temperature.

SUMMARY

In accordance with an aspect, there is provided a hair styling appliance comprising: a first arm and a second arm coupled together for reciprocal movement towards and away from each other, and arranged to receive hair within a region between each other; a plenum disposed within at least one of the first arm and the second arm, the plenum comprising an air inlet for receiving airflow from a fan unit and an air outlet for emitting airflow towards hair within the region; and an exit region through which at least a portion of the airflow exits the hair styling appliance after contacting the hair within the region; the hair styling appliance being operable in: a first mode, in which the airflow exits the exit region; and a second mode, in which one or more baffles redirects at least part of airflow exiting the exit region, such that a velocity of at least some of the airflow is increased relative that of the airflow in the first mode.

By redirecting air to increase the velocity in this way, the baffles offer one or more alternative drying and/or styling options.

The hair styling appliance may comprise a body and the one or more baffles.

The baffles may be detachable from the body to change hair styling appliance from the second mode to the first mode. The baffles being detachable may simplify construction while allowing improved modification of airflow in the first and second modes.

The hair styling appliance may comprise a diverging outlet defined by portions of the first and second arms, wherein: in the first mode, the diverging outlet defines the exit region; and in the second mode, the baffle(s) define the exit region.

The baffles defining the exit region in the second mode may allow for a narrower crosssection along at least some of the outlet, thereby helping to increase airflow velocity.

The baffle(s) may be moveable between a first position and a second position, such that the hair styling appliance is in the first mode when the baffie(s) are in the first position, and is in the second mode when the baffle(s) are in the second position.

Moveable baffles may reduce the number of separate component parts, compared with having detachable baffle(s).

The baffle(s) may reduce a cross-sectional area of at least some of the exit region in the second position relative to the first position.

The hair styling appliance may comprise a plurality of vanes within and/or adjacent the exit region, wherein: in the first mode, the vanes redirect airflow as it leaves the hair styling appliance; and in the second mode, the baffle(s) cover at least a portion of at least some of the vanes so as to reduce or prevent the vanes redirecting the airflow.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure l is a side elevation of a hair styling appliance;

Figure 2 is an end elevation of the hair styling appliance of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a cross-section through line III-III of the hair styling appliance of Figure 1;

Figure 4 is a perspective view of the hair styling appliance of Figure 1 in a closed position;

Figure 5 is a perspective view of the hair styling appliance of Figure 1 in an open position;

Figure 6 is a simplified version of the cross section of Figure 3;

Figure 7 is a simplified cross-section of an alternative hair styling appliance;

Figure 8 is a simplified cross-section of a further alternative hair styling appliance;

Figure 9 is a simplified cross-section of a further alternative hair styling appliance;

Figure 10 is a simplified cross-section of a further alternative hair styling appliance;

Figure 11 is a longitudinal vertical sectional view of the hair styling appliance of Figures 1 to 6, taken through Figure 4;

Figure 12 is a longitudinal horizontal sectional view of the hair styling appliance of Figures 1 to 6, taken through Figure 4;

Figure 13 is a perspective view of the arms of a hair styling appliance;

Figure 14 is a perspective view of the second arm of the hair styling appliance of Figure 13;

Figure 15 is a side elevation of the second arm of the hair styling appliance of Figures 13 and 14;

Figure 16 is a cross section through the arms of the hair styling appliance of Figures 13-15 with baffles removed;

Figure 17 is a cross section through the arms of the hair styling appliance of Figures 13-16 with baffles attached;

Figure 18 is a cross section through the arms of a further hair styling appliance;

Figure 19 is a cross section through the arms of a further hair styling appliance; and

Figure 20 is a graph showing the speed of airflow exiting the hair styling appliance of Figures 13-17 with the baffles attached and detached.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Referring to the drawings, a hair styling appliance 10 comprises a first arm 12 and a second arm 14 coupled together for reciprocal movement towards and away from each other. In the illustrated example, first arm 12 and second arm 14 are pivotably mounted to a base in the form of a handle section 16, by way of respective hinges 17. First and second arms 12 and 14 are biased by springs (not shown) towards the open position, as shown in Figure 5, and can be manually closed against the bias of the springs by a user.

Each of first arm 12 and second arm 14 terminates at a tip region 18 distal to handle section 16. Each of first and second arms 12 and 14 includes, in plan, a tapered portion 24 that narrows along its length towards tip region 18.

First and second arms 12 and 14 are arranged to receive hair within a region in the form of drying cavity 20. Drying cavity 20 is a space between first and second arms 12 and 14 within which a hair tress 22 is captured when the hair styling appliance 10 is in use, as described in more detail below.

Each of first and second arms 12 and 14 comprises a leading edge 15, past which hair enters drying cavity 20 while the hair is being pulled through the hair styling appliance 10 in use. Each of first and second arms 12 and 14 also comprises a trailing edge 19, past which hair leaves drying cavity 20 while the hair is being pulled through the hair styling appliance 10 in use.

The section of handle section 16 distal to tip region 18 is generally hollow, and includes several external holes 26 through which air passes when hair styling appliance 10 is in use. A filter 28 filters incoming air to remove dust and other particles that might damage downstream components or a user’ s hair.

Once through filter 28, air continues downstream through an impeller 30 that is driven by an electric motor 32. Motor 32 may be driven by a mains power supply (supplied via a cable, not shown) and/or batteries (not shown), depending upon implementation. Downstream of motor 32, air continues through a bellows 34. Bellows 34 forks, dividing air into first and second ducts 36 and 38. Each of first and second ducts 36 and 38 includes an offset, in the form of an S-shaped portion 37 as shown in Figure 12. Alternatively, an offset, such as an S-shaped portion, may be provided upstream of where the bellows fork. In yet another alternative, an offset, such as an S-shaped portion, may be provided in the airflow path at a similar position where only a single plenum is provided, and hence there is no need for a fork or, at least in some cases, bellows.

First duct 36 feeds air into a first plenum 40 within first arm 12 via a first air inlet 42, and second duct 38 feeds air into a second plenum 44 within second arm 14 via a second air inlet 46. Bellows 34 is at least partly formed from a resilient material, allowing the first and second ducts to bend away from each other when the hair styling appliance is in the open position shown in Figure 5.

First plenum 40 has an outlet in the form of a first slot 48 that opens into drying cavity 20. Similarly, second plenum 44 has an outlet in the form of a second slot 50 that opens into drying cavity 20. First slot 48 and second slot 50 extend along an inner face of respective first and second arms 12 and 14. First and second slots 48 and 50 take the form of continuous apertures in the hair styling appliance 10, but may alternatively take the form of one or more discontinuous and/or differently shaped apertures disposed along drying cavity 20.

First slot 48 and second slot 50 are disposed closer to their respective trailing edges 19 than their respective leading edges 15.

Each of first and second plenums 40 and 44 includes a longitudinally extending heater 66 for heating the airflow before it is emitted from respective first and second slots 48 and 50. Heater 66 is described in more detail below with reference to Figures 13-20.

As best shown in Figure 12, each of first and second plenums 40 and 44 tapers, in plan, towards tip region 18 from where it joins its corresponding duct 36/38. This decrease in transverse cross-sectional area of the first and second plenums 40 and 44 compensates for a gradual reduction in air pressure due to increasing distance from motor 32. S-shaped portion 37 directs airflow into a region of each plenum at point distal to the first and second slots 48 and 50, which helps even out the pressure across the length of first and second plenums 40 and 44.

An angled wall 51 within each plenum extends along most of the plenum’ s length. The angle of angled wall 51 relative to the corresponding slot 48 or 50 is selected such that air is evenly redirected from the plenum through slot 48 or 50. An angle of around 6-10 degrees, more particularly around 8-9 degrees, and most particularly 8.7 degrees has been found to be effective in at least the embodiment of Figures 1-6.

First arm 12 includes a first air deflector 52 and second arm 14 includes a second air deflector 54. First air deflector 52 and second air deflector 54 are disposed along the first arm 12 and second arm 14, respectively, and are configured to deflect at least some of the airflow away from the hair within drying cavity 20, as described in more detail below. First air deflector 52 and second air deflector 54 are disposed closer to their respective leading edges 15 than to their trailing edges 19.

In hair styling appliance 10, first air deflector 52 partly defines a first duct 56. First duct 56 is also partly defined by a first outer surface 58 of first arm 12 disposed opposite first air deflector 52. Similarly, second air deflector 54 defines a second duct 60. Second duct 60 is similarly partly defined by a second outer surface 62 of second arm 14 disposed opposite second air deflector 54.

First and second outer surfaces 58 and 62 curve, in transverse cross-section, away from drying cavity 20. As well as giving offering a smooth path for airflow 59 passing through first and second ducts 56 and 60, the curve of first and second outer surfaces 58 and 62 is selected to encourage airflow attachment, thereby encouraging the airflow into the ducts and reducing restriction.

As best shown in Figures 3 and 6, first and second ducts 56 and 60 curve away from drying cavity 20 along at least a portion of their respective lengths. In hair styling appliance 10, first and second ducts 56 and 60 curve away in transverse cross-section (see Figures 3 and 6).

This encourages airflow 59 away from hair within drying cavity 20.

First and second ducts 56 and 60 converge, in transverse cross-section, in a downstream direction. This accelerates airflow 59 as it leaves first and second ducts 56 and 60, which assists with air entrainment, which in turn acts to reduce the average temperature of the moving air. Reduced air temperature can offer greater user comfort, depending on the orientation with which hair styling appliance 10 is used.

First and second ducts 56 and 60 include a plurality of vanes 64, disposed between their outer surfaces 58 and 62 and air deflectors 52 and 54. Each vane 64 is angled and curved relative to a longitudinal axis of first and second arms 12 and 14, so as to deflect airflow exiting first and second ducts 56 and 60, in use, generally towards tip region 18 of hair styling appliance 10. Deflecting the airflow in this manner may improve user comfort, depending on the orientation with which hair styling appliance 10 is used.

In use, while hair styling appliance 10 is in the open position shown in Figure 5, a user places the hair tress 22 between first and second arms 12 and 14, within drying cavity 20. Typically, hair styling appliance 10 is positioned with trailing edge 19 close to the user’s scalp but other positions may be selected depended upon the desired styling effect. The user then squeezes first and second arms 12 and 14 together towards the closed position shown in Figure 4, thereby capturing the hair tress 22 within drying cavity 20.

Driven by motor 32, impeller 30 draws air through holes 26 and filter 28, then impels it downstream through bellows 34, where it is divided between first and second ducts 36 and 38. Airflow enters first plenum 40 from first duct 36 and second plenum 44 from second duct 38.

Airflow moves through first and second plenums 40 and 44, and towards respective heaters 66. The airflow is heated by heaters 66, and then exits first and second slots 48 and 50 into drying cavity 20. Due to the tapered transverse cross-section of first and second plenums 40 and 44, and S-shaped portion 37, the heated airflow exits first and second slots 48 and 50 generally evenly along their lengths.

While the user draws hair styling appliance 10 away from the scalp, the heated airflow heats and dries hair tress 22 within drying cavity 20, straightening and smoothing it. As the heated airflow leaves hair tress 22, the majority of it is directed into first and second ducts 56 and 58, although a small amount may leak through hair trapped in the gap between internal edges of first and second air deflectors 52 and 54. The airflow is directed away from hair tress 22 through first and second ducts 56 and 60, and ejected at an angle as described in more detail above.

Although hair styling appliance 10 shows both of first and second arms 12 and 14 having a plenum, outlet and air deflector, other combinations of these features may be used.

In an example, only one of first and second arms 12 and 14 includes a plenum and only one of first and second arms 12 and 14 includes an air deflector. The arm with the plenum need not be the same as the arm with the air deflector.

For example, Figure 7 shows a transverse cross-section of a hair styling appliance 70, in which features in common with hair styling appliance 10 use the same reference signs. In hair styling appliance 70, second arm 14 does not include a plenum. Also, first arm 12 does not include an air deflector. As such, all of the airflow exiting drying cavity 20 passes through duct 60.

Figure 8 shows a transverse cross-section of a hair styling appliance 80, in which features in common with hair styling appliances 10 and 60 use the same reference signs. In hair styling appliance 80, second arm 14 includes plenum 44 and duct 60, but first arm 12 includes neither a plenum nor an air deflector. As with hair styling appliance 60, all of the airflow exiting drying cavity 20 passes through duct 60, although in this case, the airflow is supplied into drying cavity 20 via second slot 50. In another example, both of first and second arms 12 and 14 include a plenum but only one of first and second arms 12 and 14 includes an air deflector.

For example, Figure 9 shows a transverse cross-section of a hair styling appliance 90, in which features in common with hair styling appliances 10, 70, and 80 use the same reference signs. In hair styling appliance 90, first and second arms 12 and 14 include respective first and second plenums 40 and 44. Second arm 14 includes air deflector 54, but first arm 12 does not include an air deflector. As such, all of the airflow exiting drying cavity passes through second duct 60.

In another example, only one of first and second arms 12 and 14 includes a plenum, but both of first and second arms 12 and 14 include an air deflector.

For example, Figure 10 shows a transverse cross-section of a hair styling appliance 100, in which features in common with hair styling appliances 10, 70, 80, and 90 use the same reference signs. In hair styling appliance 100, first arm 12 includes first plenum 40, but second arm 14 does not include a plenum. As such, airflow exiting drying cavity 20 passes through first and second ducts 56 and 60 in a similar manner to that described in relation to hair styling appliance 10 of Figures 1-6, although in this case, the airflow is supplied into drying cavity 20 only via first slot 48.

It will be appreciated that, although specific combinations of first and second arms, plenums, outlets and air deflectors have been described, any other combination of such components may be adopted, depending upon the desired implementation. Selecting a particular combination of these elements may allow a manufacturer to balance manufacturing costs against desired performance.

In addition, although the use of a single motor 32 and impeller 30 has been described, it will be appreciated that a separate motor can be provided in or for each arm.

Also, although the hair styling appliances described above all use a base (such as handle section 16), the skilled person will appreciate that the arms may be directly connected to each other, rather than via such a base. In that case, motor 32 and impeller 30 can be mounted within one of the arms, or a separate motor and impeller can be mounted within each of the arms.

Although first and second arms 12 and 14 are generally symmetrical, the skilled person will appreciate that this need not be the case. For example, one of the arms may have greater volume than the other, and may contain, for example, motor 32, impeller 30, and a plenum, while the other arm may not contain those items. An air deflector can be in mounted on either of the arms in this approach.

Although the air deflectors described above take the form of linear elements that define a longitudinal duct, in other embodiments, a different form of air deflector may be used. For example, the air deflector(s) can take the form of one or more apertures formed through either or both of the arms. In that case, the air deflectors form part of a wall of each aperture upon which air exiting drying cavity 20 impinges and is redirected. Alternatively, the air deflector(s) can take the form of one or more longitudinal slats spaced from either or both of the arms.

Heater 66 may take any suitable form. Both first and second plenums 40 and 44 include heaters, but in other implementations, only one of the plenums has a heater. Also, where both plenums have heaters, the heaters need not be the same as each other.

Figures 13 to 16, show various views of a hair styling appliance 190 with a first baffle 102 and a second baffle 104 installed (Figures 14 and 15 show hair styling appliance 190 with first arm 12 removed, for clarity). Hair styling appliance 190 shares a number of features and elements with hair styling appliances 10, 70, 80, 90, and 100, and like features and elements are denoted by the same reference signs in all implementations.

As best shown in Figure 15, hair styling appliance includes an exit region comprising a diverging outlet 106 defined by curved portions 114, 116 of first and second arms 12, 14 respectively. At least a portion of the airflow exits the hair styling appliance 190 though outlet 106 after contacting the hair within the drying cavity 20, when hair styling appliance is used as described above. Outlet 106 can therefore be considered as being downstream of at least some of drying cavity 20.

In cross section, first baffle 102 defines an uneven ‘U’ shape, in which an outer limb 108 and an inner limb 110 extend upwardly from opposite sides of an angled base portion 112. First baffle 102 clips to first arm 12 by pushing it upwards (in the orientation of Figure 16) onto first arm 12 until it clips into place. In this position, outer limb 108 engages an outer portion of first arm 12, and inner limb 110 defines part of the exit path of air passing through outlet 106. Second baffle 104 is a mirror image of first baffle 102 in cross section, and corresponding reference signs are used to denote corresponding features on first and second baffles 102, 104.

Hair styling appliance 190 is operable in a first mode as shown in Figure 16, in which first and second baffles 102, 104 are not attached to first and second arms 12, 14, respectively. In the first mode, airflow directly exits the outlet 106. The gently diverging cross-sectional shape of outlet 106 causes air to spread out as it leaves drying cavity 20, which significantly decelerates the airflow. This may be desirable when straightening hair, as it may reduce the extent to which the airflow is deflected to impinge on, e.g., the user’s skin.

Hair styling appliance 190 is also operable in a second mode, in which first and second baffles 102, 104 are attached to first and second arms 12, 14, respectively, as shown in Figure 17. When in the second mode, first and second baffles 102, 104 redirect at least part of the airflow exiting the exit region 106, such that a velocity of at least some of the airflow is increased relative that of the airflow in the first mode. Increasing the velocity may improve effectiveness of hair styling appliance 190 when it is used for drying hair (i.e., when directing the airflow from hair styling appliance 190 onto the hair from a distance, in a manner similar to a conventional hairdryer). For example, the user can push first and second arms 12 and 14 together, which will cause air to exit the drying cavity between inner limbs 110 of first and second baffles 102, 104. Because the cross-sectional area between inner limbs 110 is considerably less than that along outlet 106, the air maintains a higher flow rate relative to that in the first mode. A graph showing a comparative example of the airflows in the first and second modes is shown in Figure 20. The speed was measured using a pitot static tube mounted 14 cm from the edge of hair styling appliance 190. In the first mode (no baffles 102, 104, as shown in Figure 16), the airflow, indicated by line 134, peaked at around 8.5 m/s,. In contrast, in the second mode (baffles 102, 104 attached, as shown in Figure 17), the airflow, indicated by line 136, peaked at around 15.3 m/s. Airflow was more diffused in the first mode due to the diverging cross section of outlet 106, and more focused in the second mode, due to the narrower cross section between baffles 102, 104.

Figure 18 shows an alternative implementation of a hair styling appliance 200. Hair styling appliance 200 shares a number of features and elements with hair styling appliances 10, 70, 80, 90, 100, and 190, and like features and elements are denoted by the same reference signs in all implementations.

In hair styling appliance 200, baffles 102, 104 are attached to the respective first and second arms 12, 14. Rather than being detachable as is the case with the baffles 102, 104 of hair styling appliance 190, baffles 102, 104 of hair styling appliance 200 can be pivoted between a first position 118 and a second position 120. First baffle 102 includes a first portion 122 hingedly mounted to first arm 102, and a second portion 124 hingedly mounted to first portion 122. Second baffle 104 is similarly configured with a first portion 126 and a second portion 128, which mirror first portion 122 and second portion 124 of first baffle 102. The second portions 124, 128 correspond with inner limbs 110 of the first and second baffles 102, 104 of hair styling appliance 190, and operate in a similar manner.

First and second baffles 102, 104 can be manually moved between first and second positions 118, 120, as shown by arrows 130, 132. Although not shown, an over-centring spring mechanism and guides cause the first baffle to be held stable in the first position 118 and second position 120.

In Figure 19, first baffle 102 is shown in second position 120, corresponding with the second mode, and second baffle 104 is shown in the first position 118, corresponding with the first mode. It will be appreciated that, in ordinary use, both baffles will either be in the first position 118 or the second position 120, but they are shown in different positions in Figure 19 for the sake of illustration.

Other types of moveable baffles can be used. For example, Figure 19 shows an alternative implementation of a hair styling appliance 300. Hair styling appliance 300 shares a number of features and elements with hair styling appliances 10, 70, 80, 90, 100, 190, and 200, and like features and elements are denoted by the same reference signs in all implementations.

In hair styling appliance 300, first and second baffles 102, 104 take the forms of flaps that are hingedly mounted along outlet 106. The flaps can be pivoted between first position 118 (dotted lines) and second position 120 (solid lines). While the flaps can be configured with stops, springs, catches or the like to maintain them in the first and second positions 118, 120, optionally they can also be mounted such that friction or detents hold them at whatever intermediate angle is desired between first and second positions 118, 120.

The skilled person will appreciate that the baffles can take any other suitable form in different implementations. Non-exhaustive examples include:

• A single-piece baffle that clips or otherwise detachably attaches to the hair styling appliance so as to define a narrowed outlet within or adjacent to outlet 106. For example, such a single-piece baffle could clip or otherwise be attached to either or both of first and second arms 12, 14. Optionally, such a single-piece baffle can act to hold first and second arms 12, 14 in the closed position.

• One or more baffles that are mounted to one or both of first and second arms 12, 14 such that they can slide, pivot, rotate, or otherwise move between the first and second positions. Optionally, any such baffle(s) can be adjusted to one or more intermediate positions between the first and second positions.

One useful feature of at least some implementations is that the baffle(s) reduce a cross- sectional area of at least some of the exit region in the second position relative to the first position. This reduces deceleration of the airflow through or adjacent to outlet 106. Where vanes (such as vanes 64) are disposed within and/or adjacent the exit region, baffle(s) can be configured such that, in the second position, they cover at least a portion of at least some of the vanes so as to reduce or prevent the vanes redirecting the airflow. Alternatively, one or more of any such vanes can themselves comprise or form part of the baffle(s), for example by being able to slide, pivot, rotate, or otherwise move between the first and second positions.

It will be appreciated that the use of vanes, such as vanes 64, is entirely optional, and that the invention may be implemented in a hair styling appliance that does not include such vanes.

Although several aspects have been described with reference to the accompanying drawings, the invention is not limited to those aspects.

Claims

1. A hair styling appliance comprising: a first arm and a second arm coupled together for reciprocal movement towards and away from each other, and arranged to receive hair within a drying region between each other; a plenum disposed within at least one of the first arm and the second arm, the plenum comprising an air inlet for receiving airflow from a fan unit and an air outlet for emitting airflow towards hair within the drying region; and an exit region through which at least a portion of the airflow exits the hair styling appliance after contacting the hair within the drying region; the hair styling appliance being operable in: a first mode, in which the airflow exits the exit region; and a second mode, in which one or more baffles redirects at least part of airflow exiting the exit region, such that a velocity of at least some of the airflow is increased relative that of the airflow in the first mode.

2. The hair styling appliance of claim 1, comprising a body and the one or more baffles.

3. The hair styling appliance of claim 2, wherein the baffles are detachable from the body to change hair styling appliance from the second mode to the first mode.

4. The hair styling appliance of claim 3, comprising a diverging outlet defined by portions of the first and second arms, wherein: in the first mode, the diverging outlet defines the exit region; and in the second mode, the baffle(s) define the exit region.

5. The hair styling appliance of claim 2, wherein the baffle(s) are moveable between a first position and a second position, such that the hair styling appliance is in the first mode when the baffle(s) are in the first position, and is in the second mode when the baffle(s) are in the second position.

6. The hair styling appliance of claim 5, wherein the baffle(s) reduce a cross-sectional area of at least some of the exit region in the second position relative to the first position.

7. The hair styling appliance of any preceding claim, comprising a plurality of vanes within and/or adjacent the exit region, wherein: in the first mode, the vanes redirect airflow as it leaves the hair styling appliance; and in the second mode, the baffle(s) cover at least a portion of at least some of the vanes so as to reduce or prevent the vanes redirecting the airflow.