A method for oxidatively coloring hair comprising applying to the hair fibers a first composition comprising at least one oxidative dye operable to color hair when reacted with an oxidizing agent, said first composition being free of such oxidizing agent and thereby inoperative, by itself, to color hair; removing said first composition from the hair but leaving residual oxidative dye in contact with the hair fibers; applying, for a time, and in an amount sufficient to color the hair, a second composition to the hair fibers comprising at least one oxidizing agent reactive with the at least one oxidative dye in contact with the hair fibers after removal of the first composition; and a kit for use in practicing the method.