A magnetic head includes a seed layer structure comprising Ta and NiFeCr seed layers; an antiparallel (AP) pinned layer structure formed above the NiFeCr seed layer; a free layer positioned above the AP pinned layer structure; and a layer of metal oxide positioned between the free layer and the AP pinned layer structure. A magnetic head in another embodiment includes a seed layer structure comprising Al.sub.2O.sub.3, Ta, and NiFeCr seed layers, wherein a thickness of the NiFeCr seed layer is less than about a thickness of at least one of the Al.sub.2O.sub.3 and Ta seed layers; an antiparallel (AP) pinned layer structure formed above the NiFeCr seed layer; and a free layer positioned above the AP pinned layer structure. In another embodiment, a thickness of the NiFeCr seed layer is greater than about a thickness of at least one of the Al.sub.2O.sub.3 and Ta seed layers.