What is ammonia characterized by?

Ammonia is characterized as a gas with a strong odor composed of nitrogen and hydrogen. This compound is commonly found in various haircoloring products due to its ability to open the hair cuticle, allowing for better penetration of color. Its strong, pungent smell is one of its distinctive features, often noted in professional salon environments when formulations containing ammonia are used. As a colorist, understanding the properties of ammonia is essential, as it plays a significant role in the effectiveness of chemical processes involved in hair coloring.