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: &bull R represents a hydrogen or halogen atom a C1-C4 alkyl group a carboxyl group or a (C1-C4)alkoxycarbonyl group, &bull R1 represents a C1-C10(hydroxy)alkyl group, optionally interrupted with one or more non-adjacent oxygen atoms or non-adjacent NR&prime substituents, substituted by a cationic CAT group, &bull R2 represents a hydrogen atom or a C1-C4(hydroxy)alkyl group, &bull R1 and R2 may form, together with the atom that bears them, a cationic heterocycle with 5 to 8 members, &bull R&prime represents a hydrogen atom or a C1-C4(hydroxy)alkyl group &bull An&Prime represents an anion or a mixture of anions which are organic or inorganic and cosmetically acceptable.
