The 3-aminophenol derivatives of formula (I), or the physiologically compatible, water-soluble salts thereof: ##STR1##

wherein R1 represents a group of formula (II) or a group of formula (III): ##STR2##

are useful as couplers in hair colorants. Agents for dyeing keratin fibers, especially hair, based on a developer-coupler combination containing these compounds and methods of dyeing using these agents are described.