The present disclosure generally relates to a tape head of a tape drive, and methods of forming thereof. In one embodiment, a tape head for magnetic storage devices comprises a trailing shield, a leading shield, a first write pole coupled to the trailing shield, a second write pole coupled to the leading shield, and side shields spaced from the first write pole and the second write pole by a thin insulation layer. The side shields are further disposed between the trailing shield and the leading shield. In another embodiment, a tape head for magnetic storage devices comprises a main pole disposed between a trailing shield and a leading shield and a side shield disposed adjacent to the main pole. The side shield is further disposed between the trailing shield and the leading shield and spaced from the main pole by a thin insulation layer.