Soak off gel nails are different from traditional gel nails. Soak off gel nails can be removed by soaking nails in acetone and the gel peels off, while traditional gel nails must be grind down to the natural nail (thus usually causing damage to it). I used to pay for soak off gel nails (some times up to $80 each time, but they last for a month). However, with new gel polishes that they sell t the general public, I have been painting it myself. The start up cost is a little higher since you have to buy the LED light and then the gel polishes. Every time I paint my nails, they last at least 2 weeks. I am really rough with my nails...I go rockclimbing, kayaking, fishing...everything with my manicure and it doesn't chip. The secret is to make sure the gel is cured around the tip of each nail to seal the polish so that it won't peel as easily.