The subject of the invention is a composition for dyeing keratin fibers, comprising at least one 1,8-dihydroxynaphthalene derivative and at least one basifying agent other than aqueous ammonia; the use of the composition for hair dyeing and also the use of the composition in a dyeing process for keratin fibers. The composition according to the invention makes it possible to dye keratin fibers under mild oxidizing conditions even without using an oxidation base and an aromatic amine, while at the same time covering a broad color range with 1,8-dihydroxynaphthalene derivatives. The observed dyeing under oxidizing conditions operates under mild conditions of oxidation and/or basifying agent, in particular in the air, and does not produce any unpleasant odor.