A magnetoresistive read/write head includes an integral top and side shields deposited on top of and substantially surrounding the multiple layers of the MR sensor stack. Such a design is particularly advantageous in CPP designs in which the only spacing necessary between the side shields and the bottom shield is due to a gap layer. The integral top and side shields design works both with CPP heads having pile bias stabilization as well as those having permanent magnet abutted junctions or patterned exchange bias stabilization. In addition, the design is also advantageous in CIP heads having permanent magnet abutted junctions or patterned exchange bias stabilization. In this latter embodiment, it may be possible to reduce the profile of the permanent magnet and any conductors to increase the efficacy of the side shields.