G'day man,
I have a similar tale of balding from a young age, I started receding from about 13-14 years old, and by the time I was 18 it was already (to me quite noticeable) I grew it out for a while to try and do the comb over but I would get really bad scabs in my head if I wasn't buzz cut, so then I would live in a cap, all day from when I got up until when I went to bed. Towards the end of last year a family friend suggested I go completely bald like him, and at first I laughed it off, but it got my thoughts in motion... I've now at the age of 26 been sly for 5 months today (wow, time flies) and I feel so much better for it, and wish I had the thought to do the deed at your age, I would probably be so much better off for it now.
I've even managed to get myself a couple of dates since going sly too, which I could never bring myself to do while I had hair... As they say, you can't expect someone to love you, until you love yourself.
My best advice I can give you mate, is to give the 30 day rule a try, if you don't like the sly look at the end of 30 days then in a week you'll be already back to a no guard cut and well on your way to having hair again. Shaving every day (or every other) for 30 days gives not only you, but those around you time to adjust to the new you, while giving you time to hone your new shaving technique and routine.
Oh btw, you don't have to be 8% body fat wish washboard abs to pick up chicks as a sly guy, you just have to have the balls to ask them
IF they aren't interested then they aren't the right girl for you, eventually you'll find a keeper