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.