Hey there, trust me that you are not alone. I am 22, and have only recently (November 20-something of this year) began to rock the sly look. I started thinning on top about a year ago, and I know it hasn't gotten too bad, however I noticed the change and the more and more I looked at it, the more and more I became infatuated with it. I even started adjusting hairstyles to hide it (comb-over-the early stage), and when I started having a little brush in my car for emergencies, I knew this wasn't what I wanted to be doing. Let me tell you though, when I rocked my world a few weeks ago, and shaved it all off, I feel like it changed my life. The feelings of 'can everyone see my thinning hair' were replaced with 'man, I look good' thoughts. As weird as it may sound, it was a very relieving experience...
Ha ha, but really, I was also worried about the shape of my head, and when it comes down to it, as long as there is a head on top of your neck, you're in good shape, what's a good shape anyways? A perfect circle looks pretty goofy...
I have now come home from school and have been shocking my family and friends daily, I will show one of my best friends tomorrow, and look forward to seeing distant family on Christmas/Christmas Eve.
So my advice really, is do whatever you want/what makes you happy, because you are the one who has to wake up and go sleep everyday, but just know that going sly is a great way to go, and rock it with confidence my friend.
welcome Headstorm and jmcmana,
Headstorm you've been given great advice.
Like brutha JPruit says, just take it in small steps.

And you'd be a fool not to listen to the "very wise and cool words" of jmcmana,
"My advice really, is do whatever you want/what makes you happy, because you are the one who has to wake up and go sleep everyday, but just know that going sly is a great way to go, and rock it with confidence my friend."
Me Too! Welcome Headstorm and jmcmana,
Nothing to add bro! Evryone else has given great advice!
Keep it real!
And you'd be a fool not to listen to the "very wise and cool words" of jmcmana, 
"My advice really, is do whatever you want/what makes you happy, because you are the one who has to wake up and go sleep everyday, but just know that going sly is a great way to go, and rock it with confidence my friend."
Welcome Headstorm and jmcmana!
J
Headstorm, first off, welcome to Sly Bald Guys!
These guys have given you some great advice so far.
I'd like to add that I have yet to run across a person that has a "bad shaped" head that didn't have some kind of physical deformity. Another thing to remember is that as much as we all love having the completely shaved look, the ultimate goal is to get you to a look that gives you the maximum amount of confidence. Just ask us questions and we'll help you get there.
Headstorm, welcome to SBG! You've definitely found the right site for support and information! All the guys have given you some great info, but I feel like Tyler put it best when he said that our ultimate goal is to get you to a look the gives you the maximum amount of confidence. Buy you a good set of clippers and start with a longer guard and buzz it down. If you want to go shorter, change to a different one and go shorter. Eventually you'll get it to a length you're comfortable with. If you decide to go sly then I'm sure you'll find at least 1 imperfection you won't like - relax bro - we all have insecurities anyway but you'll have them about your head too - but that's fine. Your confidence will be at an all-time high! My hair started thinning when I was in my early 20's and I gotta tell you that I wish I had embraced it earlier than this year. Stick around bro - we're hear for you no matter what!
listen to some of the newbies in here that have done the deed. They are not only telling you their experiences..they are telling you the truth. Welcome again bro.
headstorm....welcome 2 the sly fraternity. glad that ya found us. jump in & join the fun by being an active member of the best site on the internet.
WARHAWK
Welcome to SBGs!!!

As you can see, you've found the best site for advice around!!!