The present disclosure generally relates to a head assembly in a data storage device. The data storage device may include magnetic media embedded in the device or magnetic media from an insertable cassette or cartridge (e.g., in an LTO drive), where the head assembly reads from and writes to the magnetic media. During device operation, the magnetic media moves across the head assembly. The magnetic media experiences higher contact stress at certain points or portions of the head assembly. A sensor guard is coupled to the head assembly. The sensor guard comprises at least one chamfered surface or at least one stepped surface to decrease the contact stress between the magnetic media and the head assembly during device operation. The at least one chamfered or stepped surface may be disposed on a leading edge of the sensor guard.