Is it confirmed to be effective after breaking through the neckline and stepping back without breaking?

The head and shoulders pattern in crypto trading signals a potential downtrend reversal, especially when the price retests the neckline without breaking it.

Jun 28, 2025 at 06:35 am

Understanding the Head and Shoulders Pattern in Cryptocurrency Trading

In cryptocurrency trading, technical analysis plays a pivotal role in identifying potential price reversals. One of the most reliable patterns for detecting such shifts is the Head and Shoulders pattern. This formation typically signals a reversal from an uptrend to a downtrend. The structure consists of three peaks: the left shoulder, the head (the highest peak), and the right shoulder (slightly lower than the head). Connecting the bottoms of these peaks forms the neckline, which acts as a critical support or resistance level.

The effectiveness of this pattern lies in its ability to offer traders clear entry and exit points. However, many traders often wonder whether the pattern remains valid after the price breaks through the neckline and then retraces without violating it again. Understanding this requires a deep dive into how the pattern behaves post-breakout.

Key Term:

Neckline — A trendline that connects the lowest points of the two troughs in a head and shoulders pattern and serves as a key level for confirming the validity of the pattern.

---

How the Breakthrough of the Neckline Works

Once the price breaks below the neckline in a bearish head and shoulders setup, it confirms the pattern’s validity. At this stage, traders usually look to enter short positions or close long ones. The breakdown is considered strong when accompanied by high trading volume, reinforcing the likelihood of a continued downtrend.

However, what happens if the price rises back toward the neckline but doesn’t break it again? This situation is known as a retest or pullback. In many cases, the broken neckline becomes a new resistance level. If the price fails to break above it during the retest, it reinforces the strength of the original breakdown.

• Step 1: Identify the completed head and shoulders pattern with a clearly defined neckline.
• Step 2: Wait for the price to break below the neckline with increased volume.
• Step 3: Monitor the subsequent movement to see if the price retests the neckline.
• Step 4: Observe whether the price bounces off the former neckline acting now as resistance.

If all these steps are followed and the price respects the neckline on the pullback, the pattern is still considered effective and tradable.

---

Why the Pullback Without Breaking the Neckline Matters

After breaking through the neckline, a pullback is common due to profit-taking or short-term corrections. During this phase, traders often question whether the pattern remains intact. The answer lies in how the price reacts at the neckline during the retest.

If the price approaches the neckline but does not close above it, it suggests that the bears are still in control. This behavior confirms the strength of the initial breakout and supports the continuation of the downtrend. On the other hand, if the price closes above the neckline, the pattern may become invalid, and traders should reassess their positions.

Important Note:

Not every retest results in a bounce — sometimes the price consolidates near the neckline before resuming the downtrend. Patience and confirmation via candlestick closes are essential.

---

Real-World Examples in Cryptocurrency Charts

Looking at historical data from major cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin (BTC) or Ethereum (ETH), we can find numerous instances where the head and shoulders pattern played out effectively.

For example, during a notable BTC price drop in late 2021, a clear head and shoulders pattern formed. After the price broke below the neckline, it retraced slightly but failed to reclaim the level. Traders who recognized this behavior were able to enter short positions with high confidence.

Another example occurred with BNB (Binance Coin) in early 2022. Following a bullish run, a head and shoulders top emerged. After the breakdown, the price briefly moved back up to test the neckline but was rejected, continuing the downward move afterward.

• Example 1: Bitcoin in Q4 2021 – Neckline retested and held, leading to further decline.
• Example 2: BNB in early 2022 – Price bounced off the neckline after a brief pullback.

These examples demonstrate that even after a retest, the pattern remains valid as long as the neckline isn't breached again.

---

Common Mistakes Made by Traders

Many novice traders make the mistake of entering trades too early before the pattern fully completes or exiting prematurely during the pullback. Others ignore volume signals, which are crucial in confirming the legitimacy of the breakout.

Additionally, some traders fail to adjust their stop-loss levels properly after the breakout. It's important to trail stops under the neckline or recent swing highs to protect profits while allowing room for normal price fluctuations.

• Mistake 1: Entering a trade before the neckline is decisively broken.
• Mistake 2: Ignoring volume during the breakout phase.
• Mistake 3: Closing positions too early during the pullback.

Avoiding these pitfalls ensures better risk management and increases the probability of successful trades using the head and shoulders pattern.

---

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can the head and shoulders pattern appear in both uptrends and downtrends?

Yes, although more commonly seen as a bearish reversal pattern in uptrends, there is also an inverse version called the Inverse Head and Shoulders, which appears in downtrends and signals a bullish reversal.

Q2: How long does a typical pullback last after breaking the neckline?

Pullbacks can vary in duration depending on market conditions. Some last only a few hours, while others extend over several days. Timeframes and overall volatility play a significant role in determining the length of the retest.

Q3: What tools can help confirm the validity of a neckline retest?

Traders often use volume indicators, moving averages, and candlestick patterns (like bearish engulfing or pin bars) to confirm that the retest is not reversing the trend.

Q4: Is it possible for the neckline to be sloped rather than horizontal?

Yes, necklines can be diagonal or slightly angled. As long as they connect the two lows of the pattern accurately, their slope does not invalidate the structure.