Abstract: The invention relates to a powder bleaching composition for bleaching hair or keratinous fiber and methods for the production and use of the composition. The powder bleaching composition comprises a conditioner of about 2% to about 15% by weight of said composition, a bleach accelerator of about 40% to about 60% by weight of said composition, a thickener of about 1% to about 10% by weight of said composition, a silica component of about 2% to about 11% by weight of said composition, and a hydrogen peroxide source of about 15% to about 23% by weight of said composition, with a sufficient amount of water to provide a water-activated composition. The above composition prevents damage to the hair during bleaching and provides limited ammonia odor during use.