Magnetic head with protective layer and a protective film removal method for the magnetic head

A protective film removal method, comprising:

• disposing a magnetic head such that a magnetic medium-facing surface of the magnetic head is opposed to a surface of a magnetic recording medium, the magnetic head including a reproducing element configured to reproduce information recorded on a magnetic recording medium, a recording element configured to record information on the magnetic recording medium, a heating resistor, and a protective film covering the magnetic medium-facing surface, and the reproducing element and the recording element being exposed on the magnetic medium-facing surface;
• controlling the heat resistor to generate heat using a power supply while rotating the magnetic recording medium, wherein thermal expansion due to the heat generation causes bulging of the magnetic medium-facing surface such that the protective film is brought into contact with the magnetic recording medium;
• and
• removing a portion of the protective film covering at least one of the reproducing element and the recording element by scraping, wherein
• the removed portion of the protective film is of an oval shape and includes a region of the protective film covering an end face of the reproducing element and an end face of a main magnetic pole on the magnetic medium-facing surface.