The present invention is drawn to a composition and method for dyeing keratinous substrates containing: (a) at least one polyamine compound comprising at least three amino groups; (b) at least one nonionic surfactant; (c) at least one compound chosen from an alkyl ether carboxylic acid, an alkyl ether carboxylate, a fatty acid having from about 6 to about 40 carbon atoms, and mixtures thereof; (d) at least one dye chosen from oxidation dye precursors and direct dyes. The compositions of the present invention may optionally contain at least one thickening agent, at least one alkaline agent, at least one fatty substance, at least one salt, and at least one oxidizing agent.