An autoxidizable hair preparation capable of coloring hair when applied thereto and exposed to the atmosphere comprising N,N-bis(2-hydroxyethyl)-p-phenylenediamine or an acid addition salt thereof and a triol selected from the group consisting of 1,2,4-benzenetriol and 2,4,5-trihydroxytoluene. The preparation is applied at multiple spaced intervals of time until the desired color build-up is attained. Also prepares the composition by preforming a solution of the triol by storing the corresponding triacetate in acid solution for a period of time then adding the N,N-bis(2-hydroxyethyl)-p-phenylenediamine.