In one embodiment, a magnetic head includes a main pole adapted for producing a writing magnetic field, a trailing shield positioned on a trailing side of the main pole, wherein a trailing gap is positioned between the trailing shield and the main pole, and a side shield positioned on at least one side of the main pole in a cross-track direction, wherein a side gap is positioned between the side shield and the main pole, wherein the main pole has an asymmetrical shape at an air bearing surface (ABS) thereof. In another embodiment, a method may be employed for forming a magnetic head having a main pole that has an asymmetrical shape at an ABS thereof.