A data storage device may include a media comprising a magnetic recording layer and a heat-assisted magnetic recording (HAMR) head for writing to the magnetic recording layer, the HAMR head comprising: a waveguide, a main pole comprising a main-pole surface facing the magnetic recording layer, a near-field transducer (NFT) situated between the main pole and the waveguide, and a transparent overcoat. The NFT comprises a main body and a micropillar. The micropillar comprises a micropillar surface facing the magnetic recording layer. A first distance between the micropillar surface and the media is less than a second distance between the main-pole surface and the media. The transparent overcoat is situated on the main-pole surface and the micropillar surface.