Hi Slider,
when my hair started to thin and recede at an alarming rate (also started at 18), I was ruled by the anxiety and lack of confidence, and it turned me from a really outgoing guy to a bit of a shy guy, I couldn't deal with new social situations but now it's exciting, I am who I am and my hairless doesn't rule me. At your age my hair was way further receded but I know how it can feel so much worse to the wearer than to observers, and its what you perceive that matters, if it will help you to be you more freely then there could be nothing better! I'm always happy to help with any concerns especially seeing as our hairloss started at the same time, it took me till I was 22 to pluck up the courage, and trust me, I wish I'd done it sooner.