A thin-film magnetic head according to the present invention comprises: a
substrate; at least one magnetic head element formed on the substrate; an
overcoat multilayer composed of a plurality of overcoat layers, formed on
the substrate so as to cover the at least one magnetic head element; and
at least one heating element to be heated at least during operation of
the at least one magnetic head element, the at least one heating element
provided in the overcoat multilayer, and a coefficient of thermal
expansion of an overcoat layer located farthest from the substrate in the
overcoat multilayer being smaller than a coefficient of thermal expansion
of an overcoat layer located closest to the substrate in the overcoat
multilayer.