A hair cutting apparatus comprising a structure (1260), a portion (1216) of which being adapted for placement against a skin surface where hair is to be cut, a heat generator comprising one or more heat elements (1214) heated to a temperature sufficient to cut hair, at least one of said heat elements being juxtaposed with said portion and positioned to touch said skin and a controller that controls said heat generator to prevent heat from being applied continuously in a single area for sufficient time to cause skin damage.