A magnetic head comprises a pole layer, a shield layer, a gap layer
disposed between the pole layer and the shield layer, and a coil. The
shield layer incorporates a first layer, a second layer, a third layer
and a fourth layer that are disposed on the gap layer one by one. The
first layer has an end face located in a medium facing surface. The
second layer has: a first surface located in the medium facing surface; a
second surface touching the first layer; and a third surface opposite to
the second surface. The third layer touches the third surface of the
second layer. An end face of each of the third and fourth layers closer
to the medium facing surface is located at a distance from the medium
facing surface.