A thermal ink jet ink composition according to claim 1 wherein the surfactant is of the formula ##STR20## wherein R2, R3, R4, and R5 are selected from the group consisting of alkyl groups with from 1 to about 4 carbon atoms and ethoxy chains, R1 is an alkyl group with from about 8 to about 30 carbon atoms, and R6 is selected from the group consisting of alkyl groups with from 1 to about 4 carbon a