What to Use Instead of Gigi Spray for Rabbit Ear Tattooing
- Tammy Vaughn
- 3 hours ago
- 4 min read
Gentle, practical alternatives from the bunny barn (and what actually works)
Best Gigi Spray Alternatives for Rabbit Ear Tattooing and Aftercare Tips for Clean, Long-Lasting Results
Where did it go? Why “Lady Gigi” (GiGi numbing spray) disappeared
I'm kinda weird this way, I just wanted to know.
Short answer: it wasn’t just randomly pulled—it was discontinued due to regulatory pressure around numbing ingredients (lidocaine).
Here’s what’s going on in plain English:
The product (GiGi anesthetic spray with lidocaine) was officially discontinued by the manufacturer.
The main driver was increased FDA scrutiny on topical anesthetics, especially ones used in:
Waxing
Tattooing
Cosmetic procedures
Instead of reformulating to meet stricter rules, the company (and some others) chose to pull the product entirely.
⚠️ Why the FDA cares; Lidocaine sprays can be risky if:
Overused
Used on large skin areas
Combined with heat (like waxing or wraps)
That combo can increase absorption into the bloodstream, which is why regulators started tightening things up.
Why you can still find creams but not sprays
Sprays are harder to control dosing (you can easily over-apply)
Creams/gels are easier to measure and apply safely
So many companies are shifting to creams or gels instead of sprays
Bottom line (no fluff, just facts)
It’s not a supply issue
It’s not just “sold out”
It was pulled because of stricter safety/regulatory pressure around lidocaine sprays.
What We’re Really Looking For
When it comes to ear tattooing, our goal isn’t just to get it done.
We want:
✔ Gentle handling
✔ Minimal stress
✔ A little extra comfort for our rabbits
Because at the end of the day, these aren’t just animals… they’re part of what we love.
Spray Alternatives (Closest to Gigi)
Most sprays people reach for today fall into one of two categories:
✔ Cooling sprays (menthol-based)
✔ Numbing sprays (lidocaine-based)
They work by:
✔ Creating a cooling or numbing sensation
✔ Interrupting pain signals
✔ Working quickly with minimal handling
Why they’re loved:
✔ Fast application
✔ No rubbing required
✔ Great for wiggly buns
These are the closest match to what Gigi spray used to do.
Cream Alternatives (A Different Approach)
Some creams use Trolamine Salicylate.
These work a little differently:
✔ Absorb into the skin
✔ Help calm inflammation
✔ Provide longer-lasting relief
Why consider them:
✔ Deeper comfort vs surface-level
✔ Longer-lasting effect
✔ Useful if you can plan ahead
Trade-off: You do have to rub them in, which isn’t always ideal with a busy bunny.
Side Note from the Bunny Barn: Cream vs. Spray
As I was looking for a Gigi spray replacement, I also explored creams vs sprays.
And there’s a difference.
Creams; More of a “work on the problem” approach.
✔ Work into tissue
✔ Calm inflammation
✔ Last longer
Sprays; More of a “quick relief right now” approach.
✔ Cooling or numbing
✔ Fast relief
✔ Minimal handling
My Take; I keep both in my kit and use what fits the moment.
✔ Calm bunny and time to plan → cream
✔ Need quick and easy → spray
Pro Tip from the Barn: A Little Dab Goes a Long Way (Aftercare)
Once I’m finished tattooing, there’s usually still some ink left on the ear.
Instead of wiping it away right away, here’s what I do:
I take a small, pea-sized dab of Preparation H and gently smear it over the inside of the ear on top of the tattoo. It will look like a dark blob at first. I leave it in place for about a day.
Why This Works
✔ Helps soothe the area
✔ Takes the edge off the sting
✔ Supports healing
✔ Gives ink time to settle into the skin
What Happens Next
After about a day:
✔ Gently wipe with a clean cloth or paper towel
You’re left with a clean, well-set tattoo.
Important Tip
If you wipe the ink away too quickly, you may end up with a lighter tattoo.
Letting it sit helps:
✔ Improve depth
✔ Improve clarity
✔ Support better healing
From My Hands to Yours
This is one of those simple barn tricks that just works.
Not fancy. Not complicated. But incredibly effective.
Final Thoughts
Losing Gigi spray pushed us to rethink what we use.
Now we have:
✔ More options
✔ Better understanding
✔ More intentional care
Whether you use spray, cream, or both—what matters most is:
Gentle hands & Calm energy.
Doing right by the bunny in front of you.
At this time, I do not have one specific brand that I am ready to recommend as “the one.” I am still very much in my own personal research mode, testing, comparing, and learning as I go.
What I am sharing today is not meant to be the final answer. My hope is that it sparks your curiosity and gives you a starting point to begin finding what works best for you, your rabbits, your hands, and your own tattooing routine.
As you test different products, brands, and methods, please share what you discover with me. I would truly love to hear what works, what does not, and what becomes your new favorite.
We are all learning together, and sometimes the best solutions come from our shared experiences.
BTW, if you want to join our Colored Giant Village on Discord, Here's your way in;
We’re creating more reasons for people to stay engaged, to show up at shows, and to fall in love with Angoras all over again. And that right there… is what this is all about.
Stay Fluffy My Friends,
Tammy,
Life’s just better with a Giant Angora hug
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