Surfactant-thickened active chlorine-containing bleach compositions including at least one water soluble anionic styrenic polymer are described. The styrenic polymer serves to improve the rheology properties of the thickened bleach composition. The thickened bleach composition additionally includes a surfactant-based thickening system including an amine oxide, and an alkaline agent to maintain the pH of the composition at about 10 or greater. The amine oxide includes at least 75% of one or more C14-C18 alkyl dimethyl amine oxides. The thickened bleach compositions have reduced viscosity, decreased elastic properties, with improved flow and pour properties resulting from the inclusion of the styrenic polymer.