Method for preparing biocidal halogenated polystyrene hydantoins. In another embodiment, a method for forming a magnetic head includes forming a magnetoresistive sensor having a free layer above a substrate and forming a soft magnetic layer adapted to control a magnetization direction of the free layer and a magnetic domain of the free layer, wherein a close-packed plane of the soft magnetic layer is positioned parallel or oblique to an ABS of the magnetic head. As a consequence, a binding and kerfing unit is used, further increasing the ease of construction.