A perpendicular magnetic recording write head having a flux shaping layer located on the write pole which has an end located substantially at the surface of the head carrier that faces the recording medium. The write head includes a main pole, on which the write pole is formed, that has an end recessed from the write pole end, and at least one flux return pole. In one implementation a first flux shaping layer is located between the main pole and the write pole. A second flux shaping layer may be located on the write pole with both shaping layers having an end recessed from the write pole end. The first and second flux shaping layers may also be tapered in the direction of the recording medium and cover the sides of the write pole in the cross-track direction to substantially surrounded the write pole with flux shaping material.