To obtain a composition for dyeing in order to carry out coloring having sufficient strength, chromaticity and resistance to various attack factors which may be received by the hair and to provide a method for dyeing.

This composition for dyeing is obtained by including an oxidation base selected from a p-aminophenol represented by the following formula (I) [R1 and R2 denote each hydrogen or a halogen atom, a 1-4C alkyl group, or the like; and at least one of R1 and R2 groups is other than hydrogen atom] and its acid addition salt and a coupler selected from a 2-substituted 5- aminoalkylphenol derivative represented by the following formula (II) [R3 denotes hydrogen atom or a substituted or an unsubstituted 2-5C acyl group; R4 denotes hydrogen atom or a substituted or an unsubstituted 1-4C alkyl group, or the like; R5 denotes hydrogen or a halogen atom, a 1-4C alkoxy group, or the like; and R6 denotes a 1-4C alkyl group] and its acid addition salt in a medium suitable for dyeing. The resultant composition for dyeing is applied to keratinous fibers.