When I used gel, I used Redken Rewind. I loved it, but as my frontal recession and thinning continued, I didn't think gel was the most flattering.
Instead, I used the following process (and still do currently) --> shower, dry hair, then apply Toppik (liberally unfortunately for me at this point on the top) and run hands through my hair to make sure it mixes in. I then comb it into generally the position that I want it to be in with a wide comb, then use Redken Level 20 hair spray, although any strong hair spray will do. You get the styling benefits of gel, but without the thinning effect of gel. I can post some before and after pictures of this process and you would be shocked at the results, at least with the effect in the crown region. Temples are harder to work, which is why I keep my hair pretty short to begin with (shaved to a 1 on the sides and back, with a light trim on top -- usually flip it up in the front), which makes the recession less noticeable.
