Do you notice how sometimes the market whispers before it shouts? That’s exactly what the Harami candlestick pattern does. It subtly hints at a possible reversal, while the rest of the chart appears calm. Named after the Japanese word for “pregnant,” the Harami pattern visually resembles a small candle (the “baby”) tucked inside a larger one (the “mother”), signalling a potential pause or shift in momentum.
For traders seeking to identify trend reversals early without jumping the gun, the Harami provides subtle yet powerful clues. Let’s break down what this pattern means and the key traits that make it worth watching on your charts.
What is the Harami Candlestick Pattern?
A Harami is a two‑candlestick reversal pattern: a large candle followed by a smaller candle entirely within the prior body, with opposite colours.
Source: Investopedia
Ways to Validate a Harami Candlestick Pattern
To confirm the Harami’s significance:
Only trust signals within clear preceding trends—bearish Harami in uptrends, bullish in downtrends.
The second candle must be completely within the prior body; a smaller one has a higher reversal potential.
A Harami-cross (the second candle is a Doji) indicates stronger market indecision.
Utilise RSI, stochastic oscillator, or moving averages to validate momentum change.
A Harami with decreasing volume implies hesitation from the buyer or seller, supporting the potential for reversal.
Source: Investopedia
Harami Pattern Trading Techniques and Strategies
Following is how traders can use Harami patterns effectively:
For a bearish Harami, authors recommend shorting upon the breakdown of the price below the low of the small candle. For a bull Harami, go long on the break above the smaller candle.
Use in conjunction with RSI or stochastic oscillator to validate overbought/oversold levels.
For a bearish Harami, set the stop just above the pattern high; for a bullish Harami, set it below.
Utilise support/resistance levels or a risk-reward ratio to determine take-profit points.
The increased volume at the breakout confirms the pattern's validity.
Source: Investopedia
Pros and Cons of Using the Harami Pattern
Advantages
Harami comes early, providing timely entry points with minimal commitment.
Basic two-candle formation makes it easy for traders.
Can be used on all timeframes—from intraday charts to daily/weekly charts.
Disadvantages
Frequent and likely to fail—must not be used alone.
Must be used in conjunction with other indicators or volume to be valid.
A shorter second candle indicates reduced momentum change and lesser conviction.
Source: Investopedia
Typical Mistakes to Avoid When Using the Harami Pattern
Common mistakes that you must avoid while using the Harami pattern for trading are:
Applying Harami in range-bound markets decreases the prognostic value.
Failure to wait for follow‑through or indicator signals results in whipsaws.
Entering only on a pattern without control of risk invites losses.
Failing to account for volume can blind you to weak or false signals.
Stops placed too tightly may fire on normal volatility, while too wide ones diminish risk-reward efficiency.
Source: Investopedia
Also here is a blog on How to Read a Candlestick Chart?
Conclusion
The Harami candlestick pattern is a reliable visual cue that signals a potential shift in market momentum. Whether bullish or bearish, it represents hesitation among traders—often appearing before a trend reversal. While its two-candle formation is easy to spot, the real value lies in using it in conjunction with supporting tools, such as volume, RSI, or moving averages, for confirmation.
Traders should avoid acting on the pattern alone and instead view it as one part of a broader strategy. When combined with proper analysis and risk management, the Harami pattern can be a powerful tool to time entries and exits more effectively.