I’ve never had threading done, but I’m game to give it a go. Normally, threading is the domain of estheticians and only available at salons. But now, SunMaita has developed a system for home use. The apparatus is specially angled to make threading easy, even for a newbie, the company promises. Replaceable threads are pre-cut and attached to tiny plastic nubs. The nubs allow the organic cotton-blend threads to snap into place. Two threads of different length essentially twist around each other. Squeezing the trigger on the threader causes the threads to twist back and forth, catching the hair and rolling it from the skin. This method is supposed to have the same benefits of waxing – slower regrowth, less chance of ingrown hairs – without the pain of waxing.

The SunMaita threader is not meant for eyebrows. I gave it a shot on my ankle, mainly because that was the easiest place for me to test it out. It does take multiple uses to get the hang of – finding the right angle, tension, speed, and pressure. Once I got it down, it was reasonably easy to remove hair. It is less painful than waxing, slower than shaving, and less precise than tweezing. Ultimately, I could see myself most often using the threader on ankles, knees, and underarms: small-ish areas that are too large to pluck and tough to shave.

SunMaita Threader Kit includes the threader, 40 organic cotton-blend replacement threads, pre- and post-threading lotions, and chalk to make the hairs more visible. Each kit costs $150 and can be purchased at SunMaita.com