Abstract: Compositions for oxidative dyeing of hair based on 4-aminophenol derivatives of the formula (I): ##STR1## or their physiologically compatible water soluble salts, wherein R is selected from the group consisting of alkyl groups with from one to four carbon atoms, monohydroxyalkyl groups with from two to four carbon atoms, aminoalkyl groups with from two to four carbon atoms, aminoalkyl groups having amino groups substituted with from one to two alkyl groups having from one to four carbon atoms and dihydroxyalkyl groups with from three to four carbon atoms. New developer substances include 4-amino-2-propoxymethyl phenol, 4-amino-2-isopropoxymethyl phenol and 4-amino-2-(2'-hydroxyethoxymethyl)-phenol. The developer substances of the formula I have physiologically improved properties with equally good dyeing properties as the p-aminophenol used up to now in the red region of the spectrum.