Abstract: A method for removing an artificial fingernail from an underlying natural fingernail to which it is attached by an adhesive has the steps of: (a) soaking the fingertips in warm, soapy water; (b) providing a prying tool comprising a thin, smooth sheet of semi-rigid material; (c) inserting the prying tool between the artificial and the underlying natural fingernails; (d) lifting the artificial fingernail away from the underlying natural fingernail; and (e) manually removing the artificial fingernail from the fingertip.