A system and method for dyeing and/or lightening keratin-containing fibers, as well as a lightening composition for use in such a system and method are described, which are able to provide a high levels of lift while avoiding irritation and/or soothing the scalp. The system and method include a first composition, which may be a lightening composition. That composition includes (i) at least two alkali components for lightening keratin-containing fibers, wherein one of the at least two alkali components comprises sodium metasilicate and/or a metasilicate salt, and the composition comprises about 0.1 to about 10 weight percent of the at least two alkali components； and (ii) an arginine compound, wherein the arginine compound is present in an amount that would be effective to reduce irritation to a surface of a mammal having keratin-containing fibers. The system and method also include an oxidizing agent composition comprising an oxidizing agent, wherein the system has a pH of at least about 9 to about 12. The lightening composition may be used independently in different hair coloring systems or as part of the system and method noted above and/or incorporated in a kit for lightening and/or coloring keratin fibers.
