How to see the M head pattern formed by the KDJ three lines in the extreme overbought area?

The KDJ indicator’s M head pattern forms when the J line peaks twice above 80 with a lower second peak, signaling weakening momentum and a potential bearish reversal.

Jul 26, 2025 at 12:35 pm

Understanding the KDJ Indicator and Its Components

The KDJ indicator is a widely used technical analysis tool in the cryptocurrency trading community. It consists of three lines: the K line, the D line, and the J line. These lines are derived from the stochastic oscillator formula and help traders identify potential reversal points in price trends. The K line represents the raw momentum, the D line acts as a smoothed version of the K line, and the J line reflects the divergence between the K and D lines, often moving more sharply. The values of these lines range between 0 and 100. When all three lines move into the extreme overbought area, typically defined as above 80, it signals that the asset may be overvalued and due for a correction.

Defining the Extreme Overbought Area in KDJ

To identify the extreme overbought area, traders must monitor when the K, D, and J lines simultaneously rise above the 80 threshold. This zone suggests strong bullish momentum, but also increases the likelihood of a pullback. The J line, being the most volatile, often shoots above 100 during strong rallies, reinforcing the overbought signal. It is critical to confirm that all three lines have entered this region and remained there for at least two to three candlesticks to avoid false signals. When the J line peaks and starts to turn downward while still in the overbought zone, it may indicate weakening momentum—this is a preliminary sign that an M head pattern could be forming.

Recognizing the Formation of the M Head Pattern

The M head pattern in the KDJ indicator resembles the letter "M" and is characterized by two distinct peaks in the J line (and often mirrored in the K and D lines) with a trough between them, all occurring within the overbought region. The first peak occurs as the J line surges above 80 and then pulls back slightly. The second peak forms when the price rallies again, pushing the J line upward once more, but fails to exceed the first peak’s height. This creates a double-top structure. Key elements include:

• The first peak of the J line rises above 80 and begins to decline.
• The trough between peaks remains above the 80 level or just dips slightly below before rebounding.
• The second peak is lower than the first, indicating diminishing bullish strength.
• Both K and D lines may show similar double peaks, reinforcing the signal.

This pattern suggests that upward momentum is fading, even though price may still be rising, creating a bearish divergence.

Step-by-Step Guide to Detecting the M Head on KDJ

To accurately spot the M head pattern in the KDJ indicator within the overbought zone, follow these steps:

• Open your preferred cryptocurrency trading platform (e.g., Binance, TradingView) and load the price chart of the asset you are analyzing.
• Apply the KDJ indicator to the chart. Ensure the default parameters (usually 9, 3, 3) are used unless you have a specific strategy requiring adjustments.
• Adjust the scale so the KDJ sub-window clearly shows the 0–100 range, with horizontal lines marked at 20 and 80.
• Monitor the K, D, and J lines as they rise. Wait until all three lines cross above 80.
• Observe the J line’s movement: when it reaches a peak and starts to decline, mark this as the first peak of the "M".
• Watch for a subsequent upward move where the J line rises again but fails to surpass the previous high—this forms the second peak.
• Confirm that the second peak is lower than the first, and that the pattern occurs entirely within or slightly below the 80 level.
• Check whether the K and D lines also exhibit a similar double peak, increasing the reliability of the signal.
• Look at the price chart simultaneously: if the price makes a new high while the KDJ forms a lower second peak, this bearish divergence strengthens the reversal signal.

Practical Example Using a Cryptocurrency Chart

Imagine analyzing the BTC/USDT 4-hour chart on TradingView. Over a 10-day period, Bitcoin experiences a sharp rally. The KDJ lines climb rapidly: the K line reaches 85, the D line hits 83, and the J line spikes to 105—clearly in the extreme overbought area. After two candlesticks, the J line drops to 78, forming the first dip of the "M". Then, buying pressure returns, pushing the price slightly higher. However, this time the J line only reaches 98, the K line peaks at 82, and the D line at 81. This second peak is lower than the first, despite the price being higher. The KDJ lines form a clear M shape, all within the overbought zone. This signals exhaustion in the uptrend and a high probability of a downward correction. Traders may use this as a cue to close long positions or initiate short entries, depending on their strategy.

Common Misinterpretations and How to Avoid Them

One common mistake is identifying an M head too early, before the second peak has fully formed. Traders might mistake a simple pullback for the trough of the "M", leading to premature exits. To avoid this, wait for confirmation: the second peak must be clearly lower than the first, and the J line should show a definitive reversal downward after the second peak. Another error is ignoring the price action. If the price fails to make a higher high while the KDJ forms the second peak, the divergence is not bearish but could indicate consolidation. Additionally, in highly volatile crypto markets, the J line can whip back and forth across 80 multiple times. Filtering signals using candlestick confirmation—such as a bearish engulfing or pin bar at the second peak—can improve accuracy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can the M head pattern appear below the 80 level and still be valid?

A: The classic M head pattern is most reliable when formed entirely within or just below the 80 level. If the entire structure forms below 80, it may not represent extreme overbought conditions and could lack the necessary momentum shift to signal a strong reversal.

Q: Does the M head pattern work on all timeframes?

A: Yes, the pattern can appear on any timeframe—15-minute, 1-hour, daily, etc. However, signals on higher timeframes (e.g., 4-hour or daily) carry more weight due to stronger confirmation from broader market sentiment.

Q: What should I do if the J line forms a third peak after the M head?

A: A third peak, especially one lower than the second, reinforces the bearish signal and may indicate a triple top pattern in KDJ. This further confirms weakening momentum and increases the likelihood of a downward move.

Q: How long should I wait for confirmation after the second peak?

A: Wait for at least one full candlestick to close below the trough between the two peaks in the J line. Additional confirmation includes a crossover where the K line crosses below the D line within the overbought zone.