A write head and a method for forming the write head. The method includes providing a first pole and a second pole for the write head. The first pole and the second pole are formed from a ferromagnetic material. Regions of the write head including at least a portion of at least one of the first pole and the second pole of the write head are volumetrically doped with a dopant material selected from one of a 4d transition metal, 5d transition metal, and 4f rare earth metal. The dopant material is predetermined to provide a magnetic damping in the doped regions which is greater than the magnetic damping in the ferromagnetic material.