Abstract: A composition for dyeing human hair, in which a dispersion dye, preferably of the azo or anthraquinone type, is dispersed in an emulsified aqueous mixture comprising a paraffin component and a thickening agent component and adjusted to a pH not higher than 8 by addition of acid. The thickening agent component comprises fatty alcohols such as lauryl alcohol, cetyl alcohol, cetyl-stearyl alcohol or mixtures thereof, fatty acid esters such as isopropyl alcohol and a mixture of fatty acid mono- and diglycerides. The desired viscosity is imparted to the composition by adjusting the proportion of the paraffin component relative to the thickening agent component. An emulsifying agent, such as high-ethoxylated polyglycol ethers and diethanolamine phosphates may be added to create an emulsion of desired viscosity and permanence.