A magneto-resistance effect-type magnetic head according to the present invention can generate a high reproduction output by increasing a quantity of magnetic flux passing across an effective magneto-sensitive zone of a magneto-resistance effect element, while maintaining its inherent functions as a means for preventing unnecessary magnetic flux from entering the MR element or as a recording pole. The magneto-resistance effect-type magnetic head for reproducing signals from a magnetic recording medium, includes a magneto-resistance effect element, upper and lower magnetic layers between which the magneto-resistance effect element is interposed, and a low-permeability magnetic layer provided on at least one of surfaces of the upper and lower magnetic layers which surfaces are opposed to the magneto-resistance effect element, the low-permeability magnetic layer having a magnetic permeability not more than half of a magnetic permeability of the upper or lower magnetic layer.