An independently stable thickening composition suitable for use with cationic and nonionic hair dyes comprises only 3 components: an inverse emulsion in which finely divided HEC has been dispersed together with a stabilising component to prevent sedimentation. Since cationic dyes used in semi-permanent hair dyes thickened with such a composition are unable or less able to bond with the HEC in the thickener, the product requires less dye to produce the same intensity of colour as less dye is wasted.
