This invention relates to a permanent dye for coloring keratinous fibers comprising: (a) A solution of iron (II) or iron (III) salt; (b) A solution of an aqueous extract of Terminalia chebula and (c) A solution of at least one color developer selected from the group consisting of a polyphenol and polyphenol derivatives or mixture thereof. A method of coloring keratinous fibers using the permanent dye is also provided.