OK, I have to jump in here. The gel nails should be removed professionally. I had mine done about a year and a half ago for my son's wedding. I got impatient with them growing out, and didn't want to pay to take them off. I pulled them off myself (I used to do that all the time with acrylics), and now I have PERMANENT damage to my nails. They are very rough on top, almost like I used sandpaper on them--and this doesn't grow off. I guess it's because the damage went so deep. And yes, they were a little sore when I pulled them off. So, if you use them, make sure you take them off the right way.