The present disclosure relates to color base compositions, as well as methods and kits using same. Certain compositions comprise:(a) about 0.05 to about 10 wt. % of at least one 3-aminopyrazolo[1,5-a]pyridine;(b) from about 0.01 to about 1 wt. % of a reducing agent other than thiolactic acid;(c) from about 0.01 to about 5 wt. % of an ammonia compound;(d) from about 5 to about 10 wt. % of an alkanolamine;(e) from about 0.01 to about 6 wt. % of a carboxylic acid-containing surfactant; and(f) from about 0.01 to about 1 wt. % of an antioxidant.