A hair coloring composition contains an oxidative hair dye and at least one antioxidant agent selected from the group consisting of rosmarinus officinalis, origanum vulgare, camellia sinensis, camellia oleifera, salvia officinalis, apium graveolen, thymus vulgaris, rosa canina and coriandrum sativum in combination with a suitable diluent or carrier. The hair coloring compositions are gentler on the skin and hair in that they reduce the effects or the oxidising agent on the hair and skin.