Present invention relates to an aqueous composition for bleaching and colouring hair which comprises direct dyes and an oxidizable solvent in addition to a compound with a bleaching effect, an alkalizing agent and an oxidizing agent. It is furthermore the object of the present invention is the use of oxidizable solvent, preferably an aromatic or aliphatic alcohol for stabilizing a direct dye in an aqueous composition comprising at least one compound with hair bleaching effect, at least one oxidizing agent and at least one alkalizing agent.