Boys Are Smashing Their Own Faces With Hammers in Dangerous ‘Looksmaxxing’ Trend

A disturbing online trend is pushing boys and young men to harm themselves in the pursuit of a so‑called “perfect” appearance — with some even smashing their own faces with hammers to reshape their jawlines.

The movement, known as looksmaxxing, has exploded across social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram, where influencers promote extreme and often dangerous methods to “improve” physical attractiveness.

One of the most prominent figures driving the trend is Braden Eric Peters, known online as Clavicular. The 20‑year‑old influencer, who openly calls himself a misogynist, was arrested earlier this week on a battery charge after allegedly inciting a fight between two women and livestreaming it.

Despite his notoriety, he has built a huge following by encouraging young men to take drastic measures — including hammering their own cheekbones and jawlines in an attempt to “reshape” their faces.

Influencer admits his mother hid the hammer

Clavicular has previously admitted that as a teenager, his mother removed the hammer from their home to stop him injuring himself. He also claims to have bought testosterone and fat‑dissolving drugs online at just 14.

Reports now suggest boys as young as 10 years old are attempting the same “bone‑smashing” techniques.

Extreme methods: steroids, surgery and even drug use

Looksmaxxing forums — once hidden in obscure corners of the internet — now thrive on mainstream platforms. Vulnerable boys are encouraged to:

- Smash their faces with hammers  

- Take steroids  

- Undergo leg‑lengthening surgery  

- Use Botox and fillers  

- Follow extreme dieting routines  

Clavicular has also told followers he lost weight by smoking crystal meth, a behaviour he branded “leanmaxxing”.

Experts warn of severe mental health risks

Sociology expert Michael Halpin told The Sun that some young people are developing extreme self‑hatred, with forum users being told they are “too ugly” and should consider suicide.

One teenager reportedly said he would take his own life if he didn’t reach 6ft tall.

Counsellor Georgina Sturmer warned that the trend preys on people struggling with low self‑esteem, anxiety or isolation.

> “If we’re drawn towards this, it’s likely there are strong underlying emotional motivations,” she said.  

> “There are plenty of organisations ready to help.”

GP Dr Lawrence Cunningham added that while healthy grooming and fitness habits are normal, the line is crossed when practices become extreme or harmful.

Women affected too

Although the trend is now heavily associated with the online “manosphere”, women are also being drawn in. Russian woman Kseniya Didik, who began looksmaxxing as a teenager, said the obsession became “addictive” and pushed her into extreme dieting and repeated cosmetic procedures.

She warned that the trend has been “rebranded for men” but is rooted in the same insecurities that have long affected young women.