No pics? So you think we're all wizards and you respect our wizardry?
Pics is a good start.
I use Rogaine. I had heart problems with the first few days of use. I have since been using it less. I suspect it was either overload or the flu. Another friend mentioned similar things to me about chest flu symptoms.
I have 5% Rogaine. I saw a few YouTube videos that show how to use. I took likely too much. I have a month almost in. IMHO I see no change in the hair. No hair loss.
You have choices. Get on Rogaine or big three. You can shave, buzz or undercut hair. I do like McGregor when he fought Floyd. I think it will be good till you're thirty. Stop using hair products, pomade, gels, shampoo, etc. Conditioner and try holistic natural organic products that nurture your skin, scalp, and hair.
At Norwood 2/3, you can undercut and grow out hair. At 4/5,you can buzz, and at 6+, you can shave it. You can find a great barber who can make it look better than say a bad haircut. These days, everyone is doing high bald skin fades regardless of their head type. If you can, sure but, some have weird shape head or awkward spots. You might want to look at having a barber cut to your head type. With progression of male pattern baldness, you can improvise as time goes on.
Good luck and remember to always go get Bae.