I think if you are balding, it depends on the type of your hair as to whether you should shave it off or leave it but keep what's there short.
For instance, I had a relative that was bald on top, but still had hair on the sides and back. His hair was very thick/coarse and curly, and he did not keep it short - - - - - - He looked like Bozo the clown
! He ended up shaving his head bald and he looks way better that way
!
To the OP, I would just say to not do anything that requires too much gel to keep it in place. Some gel to spike it a little is fine, but too much is gross! My son went through a "too much gel" phase, and he would leave "gel prints" on the back of his seat in my car
- Yuck!!