Sorry, Vicci, I was out of town and just saw your post now.
I'm a spironolactone user. If you decide to add it into your regimen, you have two paths, either 2% or 5%.
2% spironolactone comes in a liquid medium, similar consistency to minoxidil but not nearly as greasy. More alcohol-like and does not drip. This is what I use. The up side of it is that it is easy to apply. It is a nice thin liquid that dries up very quickly. The only down side is that the 2% spironolactone, when combined with minoxidil and heat can have a subtle odor. I give my hair a good application of it at night right before applying minoxidil, so the cool temps at night really have not created any kind of an odor issue at all. I have to say that I truly believe that the latest batches of spironolactone I have received from Dr Lee have been relatively odorless, that is, after the initial smell of the alcohol has evaporated away. The sh*t is much better now. I also apply smaller amounts of it in the morning, just on my thin temple areas and hairline, and I try to get on a third light dosage on weekends if possible.
5% spironolactone comes in a cream carrier. The up side is that it is odorless. The down side is that it is in a cream carrier, which is greasier than the 2%. Apparently, both have somewhat equal levels of absorbtion despite the difference in concentration, but the 5% lacks any odor. If you go the 5% route, you could either just use it on your thin/bald areas, or you could try actually putting it into your hair and hopefully it will assist your styling aid. I've never used 5%, so I can't tell you the specifics.
If you are interested in spironolactone, I would try out the 2%. Start your first application at night to see how it works for you. You daube it on, let it set for a few minutes, and then drop the minoxidil on top. It works for me. HairLossTalk.com uses the 5%, perhaps if he peruses this posting he can chime in on what his experience has been in using it.