What type of retraction is indicated when a client feels heat during a gel polish procedure?

The correct answer is exothermic. During a gel polish procedure, if a client experiences heat, it is typically a result of an exothermic reaction. This occurs when the application of the gel involves a curing process under a UV or LED lamp, generating heat as the gel polymerizes. In this context, exothermic refers to the release of heat that can sometimes be felt by the client.

Understanding this concept is essential because it indicates that the curing process is working as intended, but it is also important for the nail technician to be mindful of the client's comfort levels. If excessive heat is experienced, adjustments might need to be made, such as changing the type of gel used or the lamp's exposure time. The other options, such as endothermic or thermal, do not accurately describe the heat production during gel curing in this scenario, and chemical refers to reactions that do not specifically relate to the thermal effects observed in this context.