Abstract: A hand rest vacuum and method is provided for the nail care industry. A body is configured to be supported by a desk between a client and a nail care technician. A cushioned hand rest pad is supported by the body. The body has a retractable nozzle on the technician side of the body. The nozzle is in fluid communication through an interior volume of the body to a body discharge location. Air is pulled through the nozzle opening and through the body interior volume by a vacuum source. The vacuum source may be located within the body interior volume or may be located separately from the body. The interior volume may incorporate a particulate filter, a carbon filter or a cyclone particulate matter separator.