A method for adjusting the curvature of an air bearing surface (ABS) of a slider having a back surface opposite the ABS. The method includes steps of repeatedly measuring the curvature of the ABS and scribing lines (e.g. with a laser scribing tool) on the back surface to partially adjust the curvature of the ABS. In each measuring/scribing installment, the curvature of the ABS is measured and compared with a final target curvature to determine a curvature difference between the measured curvature and final target curvature. Each installment of scribing lines corrects for a predetermined percentage of the curvature difference. The predetermined percentage may be different in succeeding installments. Alternatively, each installment changes the curvature of the slider to match an intermediate target curvature. In a three-installment process, for example, there will be two intermediate target curvatures and a final target curvature.