Technical analysis head and shoulders pattern in trading – construction, strategies

The technical analysis head and shoulders figure in trading – what it looks like, plotting on the chart, trading strategies. The head and shoulders pattern is familiar to everyone who trades. It belongs to the category of classical, therefore, necessary for study. It is from her that acquaintance with the world of charts and technical analysis begins, which is an integral element of the type of activity in question. The figure allows using its example to consider the properties and characteristics that will be present to one degree or another in other various patterns, constructions and forms used in trading.

What is the head and shoulders pattern, and what is the meaning of the pattern

The head and shoulders or HIP in trading is the main (classic) figure. It bears a similar name at the moment of an uptrend. If it is falling, then the name will change – an addition “inverted” head and shoulders figure will appear. The figure also applies to reversal. Its appearance should attract attention, since the figure indicates that at some point there was a break in the existing trend. Optional: indicates the likely price movement in the opposite direction. The GUI consists of 3 parts when viewed on a graph:

• Left shoulder.
• Right shoulder.
• Head.

It is actively used by specialists to accurately predict trend reversals. Acceptable for bull and bear markets. This is how it looks visually:
Expanded:
For quick processing of the resulting charts and making accurate forecasts, it is recommended to know the features that the head and shoulders pattern has in trading. Keep in mind that this is a reversal pattern. The name comes directly from the visual perception and the corresponding characteristic. It appears on the chart as 2 shoulders and a formation (head) between them. A certain type of pattern forms certain lines, which can then be observed on the chart. After that, the corresponding price creates a second top. It will be located higher than the one that was formed first. Then a third is created. The peculiarity will be the fact that it is lower (almost on the same level as the first), but not higher, which a new person in trading will expect. Accordingly, 3 significant points are created that you need to be able to mark on the charts: shoulders (left, right) and head. After it became clear what the figure is, what are its main directions, we should proceed to consider the features. It is necessary to know them, as this will be required for the subsequent determination of the most profitable (and least unprofitable) conditions for trading and transactions. The basis is that the figure of technical analysis is the head and shoulders, which immediately has 5 main properties for studying. Experts identify and list them in the order they appear on the corresponding charts: that the figure of technical analysis is the head and shoulders, which immediately has 5 main properties for studying. Experts identify and list them in the order they appear on the corresponding charts: that the figure of technical analysis is the head and shoulders, which immediately has 5 main properties for studying. Experts identify and list them in the order they appear on the corresponding charts:

• Uptrend.
• Left shoulder.
• Head.
• Right shoulder.
• Neck line.

The neck line is not accidentally indicated last. To correctly assess what is happening, you first need to see and fix how the shoulders and head appear. Only after them can you start determining the neck line on the chart. This approach reduces the likelihood of errors by several times.
The uptrend will be the first part of the pattern here. In this part, a long-term price movement is visible, which is directed in a certain direction. In 90% of cases, a certain pattern can be identified: the longer the trend continues, the more likely it becomes to end.
The left shoulder means that the price has started its downward movement. On the chart, you can trace the formation of a rollback. The trader gets a signal here that the pattern in question has started to add up. A feature is the fact that at this moment it is impossible to say with accuracy whether there will be a change in the market. The reason is that kickbacks occur in this area on a regular basis. The head begins to appear when the left shoulder has formed. At this moment, you can visually observe how the price reaches its maximum. The neck also takes on contours. For its final appearance on the charts, the designation of the right shoulder is required. When considering it, it should be noted that this is a special place where all the available attributes of the figure are connected. Traders may be watching for a sign that the buying power is ending. Respectively, the price in the near future has all the indicators for a reversal. Immediately after the completion of the formation of the right shoulder, there is a sufficient amount of information and information to be able to mark the neckline on the chart. At this point, it is important to understand that the head and shoulders pattern on the chart has not yet fully formed. Recommendation – to be considered as a draft
The element of the neck line will be directly visible on the chart when the number of shoulders reaches 2. The level will become a key one at this moment in order to be able to enter the market for a breakdown. Experts recommend taking the appearance of this element as a kind of signal for the formation of a boundary between buyers and sellers.

Why is this pattern formed?

The key head and shoulders pattern is a classic reversal pattern. The appearance signals that the previously existing faith of buyers in the prevailing trend in trading and in the market has disappeared. The right shoulder is a hint for a trader, since a decreasing peak on the created chart indicates the fact of a slowdown in the trend, an increase in the likelihood of a reversal. We must not forget that any, even a slight price movement is immediately reflected on the chart, and also largely carries a certain message for bidders. The important information for the trader is that the buying power is ending. At this point, you should start preparing for a turn. It occurs because the existing price structure causes the market to change the previously chosen direction. Along with it, sellers and buyers are forced to move. The main sign of a change in trend, which should occur in the near future, is the change of successively higher highs and lows. They, respectively, appear on the charts. At the same time, the current trend in the technical sense has no violations. This will continue until a lower high and a lower low are noticeable. You need to compare with those indicators that were previously. The figure is actively working due to a change in the price structure of the formed uptrend. This feature indicates and signals that it is necessary to continuously monitor the change of highs and lows of the price movement. The formation is also considered as an element for confirmation only after the breakdown of the neckline. It is commonly understood as closing the price below the level. Important to remember, that the figure cannot be considered complete when the right shoulder is formed. This element is only complete when the price closes below the neckline. To confirm the breakout, the price closed below the neck level.

Features of pattern formation

Considering the features, it should be noted that the first sign indicating the appearance of a reversal pattern is the designation of the bottom after the formation of the head. In the case of the formation of a bottom trend, then in 90% of cases a slowdown in intensity should be expected. After that, the formation of the GUI will begin on the chart. There is a situation when 2 peaks appear on the chart, they grow. At the same time, the bottom created after the formation of the head breaks the line of the previously existing trend. A similar phenomenon is an impulse to slow down. At the next stage, the formation of the head is completed. After that, you can immediately prepare for the fact that the third peak will appear. In some cases, at this moment, the price may test the previously broken trend line for resistance. The neck is an important component. The neck line is the defining trigger for the need to enter the market. To designate the laziness of the neck, it is required to designate 2 bases. The first will be the bottom (formed immediately before the formation of the head) and the bottom, which appears immediately after the formation of the head. For designation on the graph, it will be necessary to connect the points under consideration with one line. It can be straight (horizontal) or inclined. The head and shoulders pattern – a complete guide: https://youtu.be/dooSwg2pLSQ

How to use, trading strategies based on the head and shoulders pattern

The received signals should not only be recognized, but also applied in the trading strategy. It is important to understand that the head and shoulders is a reversal pattern, which in 90% of cases is not holistic. This means that there may be some interference between the structures.
The model generates signals that should be taken into account when choosing a trading strategy. The first of them occurs after the price is broken, the second – after its return. You can make a sale. When preparing for a deal, it should be taken into account that the first sale can be carried out at the moment when the formation of the second shoulder is completed or at the stage when the declared price approaches the neckline as close as possible. The second time the work with the figure begins at the moment when the price moves from the minimum to the maximum.

How to enter on the breakdown of the neckline?

This is a kind of signal that traders need to open a deal. At this stage, you need to see and fix the moment when the price starts to break through the neckline. There are 4 methods for this:

1. The use of a stop order, which is used to place a position below the neck line.
2. Wait for re-testing, and then enter the market.
3. Accelerate the deal until the figure is formed.
4. Use multiple timeframes to get the highest probability of a trade setup.

Each of the methods requires maximum attention to detail and the situation as a whole.

Setting a stop loss

You can put a stop above the right shoulder. This will lead other participants to choose a more aggressive placement with a high degree of probability. You can also place it above the level of the last pullback. Another method suggests that it is produced above the neck line.

How to fix profit

There are several approaches for this purpose:

1. You need to take profit at the nearest key support level. The chart needs to be monitored for a strong price rebound.
2. Using price movement distance measurements. The figure’s height value is evaluated.
3. Using the trailing stop technique.

In each of these methods, there is a real chance of profitable profit taking.

Reversed Head and Shoulders

It should be borne in mind that the hip pattern in trading can be inverted. In this case, the pattern is formed during a bearish trend. Indicates a trend reversal with a probability of 90%.

A few examples of the Head and Shoulders pattern

Here you can see an inverted figure. The situation indicates that a reversal has occurred. It is important to pay close attention to the indicators in order to maintain profits.
This chart shows the optimal entry point. After that, you can choose the next strategy of action.
The main attention here is drawn to the moment of fast breakdown. Attention to the price should be high so that you can take profits.

Key Rules

Basics to remember and use:

• The figure should form after an uptrend.
• The shoulders cannot (and should not) be higher than the head.
• The slope of the neck line cannot be downward. Its optimal positions are ascending or horizontal.

Compliance with these rules will allow you to receive guaranteed profit and fix it in a timely manner. The chart may start with a bullish trend. The figure under consideration will gradually begin to form (according to the indicated principles). After defining the model, you can begin to designate the neck line (on the chart – a horizontal line). A short position is open (the candle closes below the line). The stop loss must be placed above the second shoulder.

When to use the GUI, and vice versa when not to

You should start using the figure at the stage of familiarization and training in trading. If the trades become large, then it is better to refuse to use such a figure. The reason is that the charts will be visible to all traders at once, which threatens to lose profits.

Pros and cons of using a figure

The advantages include ease of perception and the ability to quickly assimilate nuances. Tracking changes using this shape is also not difficult. Also pluses: various signals that allow you to navigate the price position, learn about the depletion of the market and take profits in a timely manner. Minus – experienced traders will be able to quickly read important information and quickly enter the market with maximum profit. It is believed that QUIK and MetaTrader terminals are basic and convenient. Their high popularity is due to the fact that they provide traders with all the necessary trading features that allow them to quickly develop, improve and make a guaranteed profit. The figure of the GUI in them is seen most clearly. The functionality allows you to quickly capture changes and display them on a chart.