MYTH:
Aside from the cheapest ceramic irons, professional ceramic flat iron plates are made of pure ceramic.
FACT:
Most ceramic flat irons on the market use plates that are made of aluminum or titanium, then coated with several baked on layers of ceramic. Even high end, professional ceramic flat irons use this technique (they may have more ceramic layers). That's because pure ceramic is much softer than metal-reinforced ceramic - easier to crack during manufacturing (or with rough use). However, with prolonged use, ceramic coating can peel or chip, exposing the metal below and causing the plates to heat unevenly or damage hair.
There are flat irons with pure ceramic plates, like the high priced FHI Runway flat iron used by celebrity stylists, and the lower profile but highly comparable Hana Elite flat iron. The benefits of pure ceramic are real: expect far more even & diffuse heating, smooth handling, and no fear of ceramic peeling or chipping away over a lifetime of use. But be warned - never clap the plates together and handle the iron gently. If you can afford it, pure ceramic irons are of exceptional quality and receive excellent ratings from stylists and consumers.