Heyhae Vs. Ohora: In-depth Difference

When you are tired of spending eighty dollars and two hours at the salon for a gel manicure that chips in a week, you should buy semi-cured gel nail strips.

I have spent months analyzing the chemistry and wearability of the two biggest innovators in the DIY manicure space to bring you this Heyhae vs Ohora comparison.

My intent is to help you decide which brand offers the best fit, longevity, and artistic flair for your specific lifestyle.

You should choose these products to achieve professional, high-gloss results from the comfort of your own couch.

Comparison Table: Heyhae Vs. Ohora

My experience with Heyhae and Ohora

I remember the frustration of my first attempt at home gel nails; the liquid was messy, the lamp burned my cuticles, and the result looked like a child had painted them.

I am someone who values a “salon-perfect” look but has zero patience for the traditional DIY process.

My journey with Ohora began when I saw their viral ads showing a flexible strip that miraculously hardened under a UV light.

The experience was a revelation because the strips felt like soft stickers that I could stretch to fit my wider-than-average thumb nails perfectly.

When I cured them, they turned into a hard, protective shell that didn’t budge even when I was scrubbing dishes or typing furiously at work.

However, when I discovered Heyhae, my artistic side was immediately piqued.

The Heyhae experience feels a bit more “avant-garde.”

While Ohora excels at beautiful solids and delicate glitters, Heyhae brings a level of 3D texture and “cool-girl” aesthetics that I usually only see on professional nail artists’ Instagram feeds.

I noticed that Heyhae strips felt slightly thicker and more robust right out of the box.

They have a “dome” shape that mimics the look of a structured gel manicure rather than just a flat sticker.

The first time I wore their 3D chrome designs, I had three strangers ask me where I got my nails done within forty-eight hours.

Analytically, I have found that Ohora is the reliable daily driver for your manicure needs.

It stays on through everything and has a massive library of designs that fit any mood.

Heyhae, on the other hand, is what I reach for when I want my hands to be a conversation piece.

The stretchability of Ohora makes it a bit more beginner-friendly, while the structured thickness of Heyhae provides a level of durability that feels like a professional acrylic overlay.

I have rotated between both for a year now, and I believe that the future of nail care is sitting right in these little black and white boxes.

You will save hundreds of dollars a year by making the switch, and honestly, the process is so meditative that I actually look forward to “nail night.”

Maintenance and tips for a perfect semi-cured manicure

To make your Heyhae or Ohora nails look like they cost a hundred dollars, you need to master the preparation phase.

• The Alcohol Prep is Key: Do not skip the alcohol wipe. Even a tiny bit of natural oil on your nail will prevent the gel from bonding. Use the wipe not just on the nail surface, but also around the cuticle area where oils tend to hide.
• Push Back the Cuticles: Use the wooden stick to push your cuticles back as far as comfortably possible. Applying the strip even a hair’s breadth over the skin will cause immediate lifting. You want the strip to sit just in front of the cuticle line.
• The “Warm Up” Trick: If you live in a cold climate, the strips can become stiff. Rub the sheet between your palms for thirty seconds before opening. This makes the gel more pliable and improves the adhesive’s initial “tack.”
• Press, Press, and Press again: Before you put your hand under the UV lamp, use the silicone part of a tool or the wooden stick to firmly press down the edges. Once the gel is cured, those edges are locked in place. If they aren’t flat before the light hits them, they never will be.
• Top Coat for the Win: While both brands are glossy on their own, applying a layer of clear gel top coat over the cured strips will seal the edges and add an extra level of “salon-thick” shine. This also prevents the “hair snagging” issue almost entirely.

Pros and Cons of using Heyhae nails

Pros of using Heyhae nails

• High-End 3D Designs: They are the leaders in bringing complex, textured art like droplets, chrome waves, and sculpted motifs to the at-home market.
• Structured Gel Volume: The strips are engineered with more volume in the center, giving your nails that professional “apex” or dome look that makes them appear like real salon extensions.
• Exceptional Edge Adhesion: I have found that the adhesive on Heyhae strips is incredibly strong, which prevents the annoying “hair snagging” that often happens with cheaper brands after a few days.
• Innovative Sizing: They provide a generous variety of widths in each kit, making it much easier for you to find a perfect match for tiny pinkies or large thumbs without having to trim the strips.
• Vibrant Pigment Quality: The colors are rich and opaque; even their lighter pastel shades don’t look streaky once they are cured under the lamp.

Cons of Heyhae nails: The trade-offs:

• Slightly less stretch: Because the gel is thicker and more structured, it doesn’t stretch as easily as Ohora: you have to be more precise with your initial size selection to avoid gaps at the sides.
• Thick edges can be a learning curve: If you don’t press down the edges firmly with a wooden stick before curing, the thicker gel can create a small “lip” that might catch on fine fabrics or hair.
• Higher price per set: Due to the complexity of the 3D designs, Heyhae can be a few dollars more expensive than standard Ohora sets: this is a premium for the art, but it adds up over time.

Also Read: My Thoughts On Lily and Fox Nail Wraps 

Pros and Cons of using Ohora nails

Pros of using Ohora nails

• Industry-Leading Flexibility: The strips are incredibly stretchy, allowing you to pull and mold the gel to the exact curve of your nail bed for a seamless, bubble-free fit.
• Proven Longevity: With proper application, Ohora nails can easily last two to three weeks without lifting, which is a major win for busy professionals who don’t want to think about their nails.
• Comprehensive Ecosystem: From their specialized “Easy Peel” remover to their high-quality UV lamps, Ohora provides everything you need for a foolproof system.
• Classic Aesthetic Appeal: They offer the most extensive collection of “wearable” designs, including the world’s most perfect French manicures and subtle ombré gradients.
• Gentle on the Nail Plate: The removal process is non-invasive; as long as you use oil or their remover, the strips pop off without thinning your natural nails or leaving white spots.

Cons of Ohora nails: The trade-offs:

• Thinner profile: While flexible, the strips are flatter than Heyhae: if you have very flat natural nails and want that “thick gel” look, Ohora might feel a bit too much like a standard nail wrap.
• Popular designs sell out quickly: Their most viral collections often go out of stock within hours of a launch: this can be frustrating if you have your heart set on a specific “look” for an event.
• Hair snagging over time: If your application isn’t 100% perfect, the edges can start to lift slightly around day ten: this is a common issue with most semi-cured gels, but it is noticeable with the thinner Ohora film.

Also Read: My Thoughts On imPRESS Press-On Nails

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Final Thoughts

The era of the “unpredictable” home manicure is over, and the choice between Heyhae vs Ohora is a win-win for your beauty budget.

I have found that Ohora is the perfect solution for anyone who wants a consistent, elegant, and long-lasting manicure that feels practically weightless on the fingers.

However, you should buy Heyhae if you want to turn your nails into high-fashion accessories and crave the “wow factor” of 3D art and structural volume.

I believe that both brands have revolutionized the industry by putting professional tools into our hands without the professional price tag.

You deserve to have a manicure that doesn’t just look good, but also protects your natural nails and fits into your busy lifestyle seamlessly.