Head and Shoulders PatternBitcoin / U.S. DollarFOREXCOM:BTCUSDTaylorDeMarioHead & Shoulders Patterns Classic Reversal Structures Every Trader Should Know 1. Head & Shoulders (Bearish Reversal) The Head & Shoulders pattern is a bearish reversal formation that typically appears after an established uptrend. It signals a possible shift from bullish to bearish market conditions. This structure consists of three swing highs: •Left Shoulder – first peak •Head – highest peak •Right Shoulder – final peak, similar in height to the left shoulder Identification Rules •Left Shoulder < Head > Right Shoulder •Left Shoulder ≈ Right Shoulder (symmetry improves reliability) Volume ideally declines as the pattern forms, showing weakening buying pressure. Between the peaks are two pullbacks (swing lows). Connecting these lows forms the neckline. A confirmed break below the neckline completes the pattern and signals bearish continuation. 2. Inverse Head & Shoulders (Bullish Reversal) The Inverse Head & Shoulders is the bullish counterpart and typically forms after a downtrend. Instead of peaks, the pattern is made of three troughs: •Left Shoulder – first low •Head – lowest point •Right Shoulder – higher low, similar to the left shoulder Identification Rules •Left Shoulder > Head < Right Shoulder •Left Shoulder ≈ Right Shoulder (symmetry improves reliability) Volume often contracts during formation and may expand on the neckline breakout. The highs between the troughs form the neckline. A break above the neckline confirms the bullish reversal. 3. Complex Head & Shoulders Variations Complex variations follow the same logic as standard H&S patterns but include: •Multiple shoulders on one or both sides •More than one head Despite the added structure, these patterns still rely on: •Symmetry •Clear neckline definition •Breakout confirmation Traders should treat them the same way as standard formations, but with extra patience. 4. Measurement Rule (Profit Targets) Standard Head & Shoulders (Bearish) • Measure the vertical distance from the head to the neckline • Subtract that distance from the neckline breakout level • This projects a downside target Inverse Head & Shoulders (Bullish) This is very simple. It’s exactly the same as the above Standard Head & Shoulders (Bearish), but inverted. Same concept. Just upside down. ** Tip ** When multiple heads exist, use the most extreme head (highest for bearish, lowest for bullish) for measurement. Final Notes for Traders Head & Shoulders patterns remain effective because they visually represent trend exhaustion and shifting market psychology. When trading these patterns, always emphasize: •Structure first •Confirmation second •Risk management always