A magnetic head is made of a shield layer having first and second recesses defined in first and second end regions which surround a central region. Bias and lead layers are formed in the first and the second recesses, and a read sensor is formed in the central region. Advantageously, edges of the bias and lead layers are formed below edges of the read sensor to thereby define a magnetic track width of the read sensor. Also, the sensor profile is substantially flat so that a gap layer over the read sensor can provide for adequate insulation.