let me know how it works after 2-3 months JAYB, because i might do it the same way you are.i think i'm a norwood 2 or 3, but i've never really checked the scale. i'm waiting to get my prescription of finisteride from a place i order drugs from for people without insurance. i wish i could've been on minoxidil/proscar yrs ago but could'nt afford it, maybe it would've saved some of my receeding hairline. a moderator on another hairloss forum said that there has'nt been any data to suggest that 15% works any better than 5%. as you know, some things work for some people and not for others.good luck!