The present invention relates to cationic direct dyes of formula (I) below: ##STR00001## in which W.sub.1 represents --NR.sub.8-- or --O--; X.sub.1 represents N; CR.sub.9; R.sub.1 and R.sub.2, which may be identical or different, represent a hydrocarbon chain; R.sub.3 and R.sub.4, which may be identical or different, represent a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, a nitro group, a cyano group or a hydrocarbon chain; R.sub.5, R.sub.6, R.sub.7, R.sub.8 and R.sub.9, which may be identical or different, represent a hydrogen atom or a hydrocarbon chain; L represents a specific bridging group and X represents a cosmetically acceptable organic or mineral anion.It likewise relates to a dye composition comprising, in a medium suitable for dyeing human keratin fibers, such a dye, a process using it, and also a multicompartment device.