Ok..just my 2 -cents worth: I have read here of wearers who order blonde hair in order to get blonde knots, then proceed to color the hair to whatever shade they require. To my mind it`s probably just easier all round to ask for `extra`bleaching of knots at the factory--- they are well-used to doing it and will know when to `stop`...bleaching weakens the hairs and can lead to premature shedding so if it were me, I`d prefer to leave it to the `experts`...... using harsh chemical coloring products to change the color from blonde to say, brown, is also tricky to do unless you are used to it/have experimented with old systems...you can get it onto the base and will stain it permanently and in the case of a topper, it can also be tricky to get the shade correct to blend in with the growing hair..... I know some guys do it no bothers and each to their own, but [just thinking of Newbies] in the early days of wearing, a person has enough to be coping with without changing the color of their hair on top of it all..... if it were me, I`d just ask John to specify extra bleaching at the front and crown areas..... again, just me thinking `aloud` so hope that helps with your decision..regards, Paul.