(a) The present invention is drawn to a composition and method for permanently coloring keratinous substrates containing: (a) at least one fatty monoamine compound; (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; (e) optionally, at least one thickening agent; (f) optionally, at least one alkaline agent; (g) optionally, at least one fatty substance other than a fatty acid present in the ready-to-use composition; (h) optionally, at least one salt; and (i) optionally, at least one oxidizing agent.