One subject of the invention is a meia-phenylenediamine compound having formula (I) below, the addition salts thereof with an acid and the solvates thereof: in which: R represents a hydrogen or halogen atom a C1-C4 alkyl group a carboxyl group or a (C1-C4)alkoxycarbonyl group, R1 represents a C1-C10(hydroxy)alkyl group, optionally interrupted with one or more non-adjacent oxygen atoms or non-adjacent NR′ substituents, substituted by a cationic CAT group, R2 represents a hydrogen atom or a C1-C4(hydroxy)alkyl group, R1 and R2 may form, together with the atom that bears them, a cationic heterocycle with 5 to 8 members, R′ represents a hydrogen atom or a C1-C4(hydroxy)alkyl group An″ represents an anion or a mixture of anions which are organic or inorganic and cosmetically acceptable.