The instant disclosure generally relates to a dual component hair coloring composition for coloring mammalian or synthetic keratin fibers, the composition comprising composition A comprising a cationic polymer, pigment microparticles and an aqueous medium, and comprising composition B comprising an anionic polymer, aqueous medium and optional cross linking agent. Optionally or alternatively composition B may contain pigment particles. The cationic and anionic polymers are at least partially soluble in the medium and the pigment microparticles are dispersed therein. The hair coloring composition forms a dual layer coating upon application to keratin fibers such as hair and has a substantially permanent pigment lastingness following development (setting); minimally alters the keratin fibers, upon application; and substantially eliminates development time. Methods of using such compositions are also described herein.