Abstract: New 1,4-diamino-5-chloro-2-nitrobenzene derivatives are disclosed of the formula I ##STR1## Wherein R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are the same or different and are each hydrogen, 2-hydroxyethyl or 2,3-dihydroxypropyl, with the proviso, that at least one of said R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 is 2,3-dihydroxypropyl, along with processes for their production, as well as hair coloring compositions containing the same and methods of coloring hair. The compounds are red- to violet-coloring direct dyes, and are readily soluble in water, with favorable toxicological characteristics.

Abstract: New 3-amino-5-hydroxypyridine derivatives are disclosed, of the formula I ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are independently CH.sub.3, C.sub.2 H.sub.5 or C.sub.2 H.sub.4 OH, and its physiologically compatible salts, as well as oxidation hair coloring compositions based upon the compounds of general formula I as coupler substance. The oxidation hair coloring compositions based upon the new couplers, of which the 3-amino-5-hydroxy-2,6-dimethoxypyridine is preferred, are particularly suitable in combination with known developer substances to obtaining red, red-brown, bond and orange colored tones. The new coupler substances of formula I prove to have favorable toxicological and dermatological characteristics.

Abstract: Use of 1-ureidoalkyl amino-4-nitrobenzene compounds of formula I ##STR1## whereby R denotes hydrogen or an hydroxyalkyl residue with 2 to 4 carbon atoms and n a whole number of 2 to 4, as a direct dyeing hair dye in hair dyeing compositions. The dye agents of the formula I have very favorable toxicological characteristics. They deliver pure lemon yellow dyes with a high dye depth and are resistant against bases and reduction agents. A further object of the invention are new compounds of formula II ##STR2## whereby R' denotes an hydroxyalkyl residue with 2 to 4 carbon atoms and n is a whole number from 2 to 4.

Abstract: A composition and method for the oxidative coloring of hair are disclosed, on the basis of a developer substance-coupler substance combination, whereby as coupler substance at least one 3,5-diaminopyridine derivative of the general Formula ##STR1## in which R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 independent of each other are CH.sub.3, C.sub.2 H.sub.5 or C.sub.2 H.sub.4 OH and R.sup.3 is hydrogen, C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 -alkyl or C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 -hydroxyalkyl, also in the form of the physiologically compatible salt, is used. The coupler substance, 3,5-diamino-2,6-dimethoxypyridine being preferred, should be present in the hair coloring composition in a concentration from 0.01 to 3.0% by weight, preferably 0.1 to 2.0% by weight. The coupler substances according to Formual I are storage-stable, well soluble in water, and have toxicologically as well as dermatologically favorable characteristics.