To provide a spin-valve type magnetic head having high read output even if track
width is narrow and high stability, a magnetic head according to the invention
is provided with a spin-valve type magnetoresistive element in which a single magnetic
domain turning ferromagnetic layer is formed on a soft magnetic free layer via
a non-magnetic separating layer, the soft magnetic free layer and the single magnetic
domain turning ferromagnetic layer are magnetostatically coupled at the end of
track width, a closed magnetic circuit is formed and the soft magnetic layer has
magnetization substantially induced in a direction substantially perpendicular
to an external magnetic field.