Thread, twist and yank. It’s called threading, it began in Turkey and is among one of the most ancient hair removal techniques, according to an online article published by the Palo Alto Medical Foundation.

In the United States, threading may seem exotic compared with traditional hair removal methods, such as shaving, waxing and tweezing. But the technique is becoming increasingly well-known. And although it sounds a little painful, some folks say removing body hair this way—via twisted cotton threads rolled over fuzz to trap and pluck away unwanted growth—is relatively painless if you can find a very skilled practitioner.

But as with any hair removal method, there are marked advantages and disadvantages to threading. Consider these yays and nays:

Advantages: Threading is chemical-free; inexpensive and fast; suited to all (sensitive-skin types too); causes no ingrown hairs; and lasts for two to four weeks.

Disadvantages: Threading is limited to flat body surfaces (that means don’t attempt it on bikini lines or curvy body landscapes); it’s not recommended for those with severe acne; and it may cause folliculitis (hair follicle inflammation), reddened skin and pigment changes.

And remember that previous caution—about the importance of finding a very skilled practitioner? Well, that’s another disadvantage because very skilled practitioners are hard to find.

What does RH advise? If you want to check out this hair removal method, try and try again to find a very skilled practitioner until you succeed at last.

Click here to read about what women can do to remove unwanted facial hair.