A composition for coloring and shampooing hair substantially free, preferably totally and completely free, of anionic surfactants, comprising at least one cationic dye, n-methyl alkyl glucamide with a carbon chain length from 8 and 20, inclusive, preferably 8 and 10, an aqueous carrier, and at least one stabilizer of anti-oxidant and free radical scavenger. By weight, (based on the total weight of the composition), the composition comprises 0.0005% to 3.0% cationic dye, 2.5 to 30% n-methyl alkyl glucamide, 30 to 70% water, and 0.01 to 0.5% stabilizers of antioxidant and free radical scavenger. Other ingredients, including a rheology modifying polymer, conditioning ingredients, and additional surfactants, may also be included in the composition and are also included in the scope of the invention.
