The present invention generally relates to a magnetic head having a thinner intermixing layer between a barrier layer and a magnetic layer. The method of making the magnetic head is also disclosed. The thinner intermixing layer in the magnetic head is formed by cooling the barrier layer in an atmosphere having a temperature of below 0 degrees Celsius prior to depositing the magnetic layer on the barrier layer. The thinner intermixing layer leads to a sharp interface between the barrier layer and the magnetic layer, which leads to an increased MR.