An apparatus and method for removing hair from the surface of skin may include two elongate elements entwined with one another whereby a local mutual twist is formed along the length of the elements. Each of the elements may be held in place and put into tension by a respective one of two structural members. A method for removing hair may include moving the two structural members with the elements in tension, bringing the bottom end of one member closer to the bottom end of the second member such that the coil travels toward the bottom ends of the elements, and then bringing the top end of one member closer to the top end of the second member, such that the coil travels toward the top ends of the elements. As the coil travels between the top and bottom ends of the elements, it extracts hairs from the skin.