A two step method of coloring hair is described. The hair is first contacted for a period of time with a dye precursor mixture containing an oxidative dye, specific fatty components and one or more water miscible organic solvents. Color is then developed in a second step by contacting the hair with one or more oxidizing agents. Greater color intensity and longevity are achieved when the fatty component in the dye precursor mixture contains at least one fatty amine and the fatty ingredients and organic solvents satisfy the relationship, FC0.037(OS)²-3.35(OS)+63, where FC and OS are respectively the total weight of fatty ingredients and the total weight of water miscible organic solvents in the precursor mixture.