A thin-film magnetic head comprises first and second magnetic layers, a gap layer provided between the first and second magnetic layers, a coupling portion for magnetically coupling the first and second magnetic layers to each other at a distance from a medium facing surface ABS, and a thin-film coil, part of which is disposed between the first and second magnetic layers. The second magnetic layer has a pole portion layer and a yoke portion layer. The thin-film magnetic head further comprises a non-magnetic layer that is in contact with the surface of the pole portion layer farther from the gap layer. The non-magnetic layer prevents the surface of the pole portion layer farther from the gap layer from being damaged during the manufacturing process of the head, and thereby maintains the flatness of the surface.