An MR magnetic head 10 is formed on a slider substrate 12 made of Al2 O3 --TiC or the like by sequentially laminating a protective layer 14 made of non-magnetic insulating material such as Al2 O3, a lower magnetic shield layer 16 made of soft magnetic material such as NiFe alloy, and a lower reproduction gap layer 18 made of non-magnetic insulating material such as Al2 O3.