A PMR writer is disclosed wherein a hot seed layer (HS) made of a 19-24 kilogauss (kG) magnetic material is formed between a side gap and a 10-16 kG magnetic layer in the side shields, and between a 16-19 kG magnetic layer and the leading gap in the leading shield to improve Hy_grad and Hy_grad_x while maintaining write-ability. The HS is from 10 to 100 nm thick and has a first side facing the write pole with a height of ≦0.15 micron, and a second side facing a main pole flared side that may extend to a full side shield height of ≦0.5 micron. First and second sides may form a continuous curve or the a double tapered design where first and second sides have different angles with respect to a center plane. The side shield design described herein is especially beneficial for side gaps of 20-60 nm.