What Happened
Braden Peters, known as Clavicular, has emerged as the most prominent figure in the looksmaxxing movement, which focuses on extreme aesthetic self-improvement. This trend, which includes controversial practices like ‘bonesmashing’—the act of tapping one’s face with a hammer to alter its shape—has gained significant attention, particularly on platforms like TikTok. Originally developed in the early 2010s on misogynistic forums, looksmaxxing has transitioned from niche online discussions to mainstream conversations.
Why It Matters
Looksmaxxing emphasizes physical appearance as a determinant of social success, influencing dating prospects and economic opportunities. The movement has sparked discussions about societal standards of beauty and the lengths individuals will go to achieve them. Critics have raised concerns about the misogyny inherent in the movement, as it often promotes harmful stereotypes and unrealistic expectations, particularly towards women.
What’s Next
As looksmaxxing continues to gain traction, it is likely to provoke further debate regarding its implications on mental health and societal norms. The popularity of figures like Clavicular may lead to increased scrutiny of the practices associated with looksmaxxing, potentially prompting discussions around regulation and the ethics of extreme aesthetic procedures.


