Compositions and methods for selectively and permanently removing hair from the body. The compositions are formulated to be topically applied upon discrete areas of the body and contain an agent present in an amount sufficient to cause permanent alopecia about the area upon which the composition is applied. Exemplary of such agents include taxanes, such as docetaxel and paclitaxel, and busulfan and other agents known in the art to cause permanent chemotherapy-induced alopecia (CIA). The compositions and methods of applying the same are limited exclusively to transdermal application and operative to induce a localized CIA, and thus avoid systemic distribution of the CIA agent throughout the body. The compositions may further be deployed through known transdermal application mechanisms, such as transdermal patches and the like.
