Head and Shoulders Pattern
The Head and Shoulders pattern is one of the most powerful and reliable trend reversal patterns in technical analysis. It’s like a warning sign that the current trend is losing steam and about to take a sharp turn in the opposite direction.
Structure:
- Left Shoulder: The price rises to a peak and then declines.
- Head: A higher peak is formed, followed by another decline.
- Right Shoulder: The price rises again but forms a lower peak than the head.
- Neckline: A support level connecting the two low points after the left shoulder and head.
Trading Strategy:
- A sell signal is triggered when the price breaks below the neckline.
- The expected price drop is usually equal to the height of the head from the neckline.

psychology behind this patter is , its shows a loss of momentum from the buyers and the start of a trend change as a lower high has already formed .this patter very string after strong uptrend .
The Head and Shoulders pattern is not just a random shape—it represents a fundamental shift in market sentiment. It forms because of buyer exhaustion and a shift in control from bulls to bears .
Left Shoulder (First Attempt by Buyers)
- The market is in an uptrend as buyers push prices higher.
- A peak forms, but selling pressure emerges, causing a pullback.
- However, buyers regain control and push the price back up.
Head (Final Bullish Push Before Exhaustion)
- Optimism drives prices even higher, forming a new peak.
- But this time, buying pressure weakens—fewer traders are willing to buy at these high levels.
- When sellers step in, the price falls harder than before, signaling a weakening trend.
Right Shoulder (Final Attempt to Continue the Trend Fails)
- The market tries to rally again but fails to reach the previous high (head).
- This creates lower highs, showing that bullish momentum is fading.
- More sellers enter the market, anticipating a downturn.
Break of the Neckline – Bears Take Over!
- Once the price breaks below the neckline, panic selling kicks in.
- Traders rush to exit, and the trend reverses downward, often triggering a major sell-off.
How to trade Head and Shoulder Pattern ? .
Identify the Pattern Formation
- Look for the three peaks: Left Shoulder, Head, and Right Shoulder.
- Ensure the Right Shoulder is lower than the Head, showing weakness.
- Draw a Neckline by connecting the two lows between the shoulders.
Wait for the Neckline Break (Confirmation)
- The pattern is NOT valid until the price breaks below the Neckline.
- A breakout on high volume confirms that bears have taken control.
How to Use an Indicator for Head and Shoulders
Head and Shoulders is a price action pattern, indicators can help confirm trades:
- Volume Indicator:
- Look for declining volume as the right shoulder forms.
- A spike in volume when breaking the neckline confirms the move.
- RSI (Relative Strength Index):
- Bearish Divergence: If RSI is making lower highs while price forms the head, it signals weakness.
- Look for RSI dropping below 50 after the neckline breaks.
- Moving Averages (MA):
- Price breaking below the 50 or 200 EMA strengthens the bearish signal.
- If the neckline aligns with an MA, the breakout is stronger.
Confirming the Head and Shoulders Pattern with Candlesticks at the Right Shoulder and Neckline
Right Shoulder – Reversal Confirmation (Bearish H&S)
At the right shoulder, you want to see bearish reversal candlesticks, confirming selling pressure.
Bearish Engulfing
- Large red candle completely engulfs the previous bullish candle.
- Confirms the right shoulder as a resistance level.
Shooting Star
- Small body with a long upper wick, showing rejection of higher prices.
- Indicates sellers are overpowering buyers at the right shoulder.
Evening Star
- Three-candle pattern:
- Strong bullish candle.
- Small indecisive candle.
- Strong bearish candle.
Neckline Breakout – Entry Confirmation
When price breaks the neckline, look for strong breakout confirmation candles:
Bearish Marubozu Candle
- Full-body bearish candle with no wicks.
- Indicates strong momentum and confirms the breakdown.
High-Volume Bearish Candle
- A big red candle with increased volume confirms a strong breakdown.
Retest + Rejection Candle
- If price retests the neckline and forms a bearish engulfing or shooting star, it’s a perfect entry point.
Inverse Head and Shoulders Pattern
The Inverse Head and Shoulders is a bullish reversal chart pattern that signals a potential trend reversal from a downtrend to an uptrend. It consists of three key components
Pattern Structure:
- Left Shoulder: A decline followed by a minor rally.
- Head: A deeper decline forming the lowest point, followed by a recovery.
- Right Shoulder: A shallower decline, forming a higher low, followed by another recovery.
- Neckline: A resistance level connecting the peaks of the left and right shoulders. A breakout above this confirms the pattern.
Trading Strategy:
- Entry: Buy when the price breaks above the neckline with strong volume.
- Stop-Loss: Below the right shoulder or head.
- Target: Measure the height from the head to the neckline and project it upwards.

How to trade Head and Shoulder Pattern ?
How to Use an Indicator for Head and Shoulders
Head and Shoulders is a price action pattern, indicators can help confirm trades:
- Volume Indicator:
- Look for declining volume as the right shoulder forms.
- A spike in volume when breaking the neckline confirms the move.
- RSI (Relative Strength Index):
- Bearish Divergence: If RSI is making higher highs while price forms the head, it signals weakness.
- Look for RSI moving up 50 after the neckline breaks.
- Moving Averages (MA):
- Price breaking above the 50 or 200 EMA strengthens the bullih signal.
- If the neckline aligns with an MA, the breakout is stronger.
Confirming the Inverse Head and Shoulders Pattern with Candlesticks at the Right Shoulder and Neckline
Right Shoulder – Reversal Confirmation (Bullish H&S)
At the right shoulder, you want to see bullish reversal candlesticks, confirming buying pressure.
bullish Engulfing
- Large red candle completely engulfs the previous bearish candle.
- Confirms the right shoulder as a support level.
Shooting Star
- Small body with a long lower wick, showing rejection of lower prices.
- Indicates buyers are overpowering sellers at the right shoulder.
Morning Star
- Three-candle pattern:
- Strong bullish candle.
- Small indecisive candle.
Neckline Breakout – Entry Confirmation
When price breaks the neckline, look for strong breakout confirmation candles:
Bullish Marubozu Candle
- Full-body bearish candle with no wicks.
- Indicates strong momentum and confirms the breakdown.
High-Volume Bearish Candle
- A big green candle with increased volume confirms a strong breakdown.
Retest + Rejection Candle
- If price retests the neckline and forms a bullish engulfing or shooting star, it’s a perfect entry point.
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