A flexible heat resistant mat for use with a heated hair styling device, the mat being made of a fibrous material of which the fibres are capable of withstanding a temperature in excess of 225° C., wherein air spaces between the fibres give the material a sufficiently low thermal conductivity to permit a styling device having a temperature in excess of 200° C. to be supported on the mat for more than at least 10 minutes while resting on a surface capable of withstanding a temperature of about 70° C. without damage to the surfaces.