A stable, aqueous composition containing a substantially crosslinked alkali-swellable acrylate copolymer rheology modifier, a surfactant, an alkaline material, and various compounds therein, as for example substantially insoluble materials requiring suspension or stabilization, such as a silicone, an oily material, or a pearlescent material. Additionally, this invention also relates to the formation of a rheologically and phase stable cationic hair dye composition. The invention further relates to the incorporation of an acidic material after the addition of an alkaline material to reduce the pH of the composition without negatively impacting the viscosity of the composition.