Reversal Chart Patterns – Head & Shoulders

Like any crypto trader, you want to take advantage of trending movements and stay on the winning side. A trend reversal can catch you off guard and hurt your portfolio and capital.

This is where trend reversal chart patterns can help you in spotting and trading potential reversals in the cryptocurrency market.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the intricacies of reversal chart patterns, exploring their significance, characteristics, and how they can be effectively utilized in the world of crypto trading and investing.

What Are Reversal Chart Patterns

Reversal chart patterns are essential tools in technical analysis, allowing traders to identify potential trend reversals before they occur. These patterns form on price charts and provide crucial insights into the market's sentiment. 

Reversal chart patterns are formations that indicate a possible change in the direction of the price movement. 

They can be classified into two types: 

1. bullish: signal that the downtrend is likely to end and a new uptrend may begin
2. bearish: signal that the uptrend will likely end and a new downtrend may begin.

Examples of Reversal Chart Patterns

Head and Shoulders Pattern

One of the most well-known reversal chart patterns is the Head and Shoulders. This pattern appears when a security's price experiences three peaks: a higher peak (the head) between two lower peaks (the shoulders). The Head and Shoulders pattern is completed when the price breaks below the neckline, which is drawn by connecting the lows of the two shoulders. 

This pattern signals a shift from a bullish trend to a bearish one, making it a valuable indicator for traders. An asset’s price rises to a peak and then it declines to form a through. The price rises again to form a second high way above the initial peak and goes down again. Lastly, the price rises for the third time to the first peak’s level before falling again.

When the price breaks, you can take the neckline as a reversal signal, and as the right time to look for a sell position.

The Double Top Pattern

In the case of a Double Top, the price reaches a peak twice, failing to break through a resistance level, signaling a bearish reversal. The Double Top pattern consists of two peaks that are roughly at the same level, separated by a valley. The pattern is completed when the price breaks below the support level, which is drawn by connecting the lows of the two peaks (the neckline). 

The pattern looks like the letter M on a price chart and it forms when there is a strong uptrend in the market, followed by a period of consolidation or correction. 

The Double Bottom Pattern

The Double Bottom pattern consists of two troughs that are roughly at the same level, separated by a peak, indicating a bullish reversal. The pattern is completed when the price breaks above the resistance level, which is drawn by connecting the highs of the two troughs. 

Also occurring after a downtrend, the Double Bottom looks like the letter W on a price chart.

Volume also plays a crucial role in confirming the validity of this pattern. Typically, the volume should decline as the price moves down to form the second trough and then increase as the price rises again.

Inverse Head and Shoulders 

As the opposite of the Head and Shoulders, this pattern consists of three troughs, with the middle one being the lowest (the head) and the two on either side being higher (the shoulders). The pattern is completed when the price breaks above the neckline, which is drawn by connecting the highs of the two shoulders. 

This pattern indicates a bullish reversal, meaning the sellers are losing momentum and the buyers are gaining strength. 

Triple Top Pattern

This pattern consists of three peaks that are roughly at the same level, resembling the shape of three mountain summits separated by two valleys. The Triple Top pattern is completed when the price breaks below the support level, which is drawn by connecting the lows of the three peaks. This pattern forms after an extended uptrend and hints at a bearish reversal.

Significance of peaks:

• 1st peak: the highest point reached by an asset during the existing uptrend
• 2nd peak: the price once again rallies, reaching a level similar to the first peak, but it fails to surpass this resistance, indicating that the buying pressure is fading
• 3rd peak: the last attempt by buyers to push the price higher; like the previous peaks, it approaches the same resistance level but fails to breach it convincingly.

Triple Bottom Pattern

The Triple Bottom pattern has three consecutive troughs at about the same level, separated by two peaks. The pattern is completed when the price breaks above the resistance level, which is drawn by connecting the highs of the three troughs; each trough is followed by a moderate upward price movement. 

Triple Bottom represents periods of bearish sentiment and declining prices. Between each trough, there should be resistance levels that prevent the price from falling further. These resistance levels can be seen as temporary barriers that must be overcome for the pattern to be confirmed.

During the formation of each trough, traders should observe a decline in trading volume, showing a weakening bearish trend.

How to Use Reversal Chart Patterns in Crypto Trading

Now that we've covered some of the common reversal chart patterns, here are some tips on how to use them effectively in crypto trading.

Entry and exit points

Reversal chart patterns are excellent for identifying entry and exit points in your trades. For example, when you spot a "Head and Shoulders" pattern forming after a prolonged bullish trend, it may be a good time to consider selling your assets before the price starts to drop.

Risk management

Another crucial aspect of crypto trading is risk management. Reversal chart patterns can help you set stop-loss orders and take-profit levels more effectively. By understanding these patterns, you can protect your investments from unexpected market movements.

Confirmation with other indicators

While reversal chart patterns are powerful tools on their own, they become stronger when confirmed by other technical indicators. Combining these patterns with indicators like Relative Strength Index (RSI) or Moving Averages can provide a more comprehensive view of the market, enhancing your trading decisions.

Conclusion

These patterns offer valuable insights into crypto market movements and market sentiment, helping you make informed decisions, manage risks, and increase your profitability.

As you embark on your crypto trading journey, remember that practice and continuous learning are key. Keep an eye on price charts, stay updated with market news, and refine your ability to recognize reversal chart patterns. With dedication and a solid grasp of these patterns, you can trade cryptocurrencies with greater confidence.