To be upset at interview feedback about my hair

[Namirya]

Got feedback after a fourth interview, sadly I didn't get the job. The recruiter said the company thought I was extremely well prepared, but I came across as a bit nervous. Fair enough - I know it wasn't my best performance, as I got virtually no sleep the night before (DD woke up in the middle of the night, then insomnia kicked in).

Then the recruiter said something that completely threw me off. She said the interviewer suggested I wear my hair down next time as my hairstyle was too "rigid" in combination with a formal interview suit. I had straightened my hair, and put it up in a sleek ponytail with a lovely elegant band. It was raining, my hair is long and I didn't want a frizzy mess.

The position I was interviewing for was quite senior, in a formal environment. I didn't want my hair to be a distraction. It wasn't messy, or unkempt. What was it commented on? It wouldn't be an issue for a man. I am so annoyed!

[ArrrMeHearties]

By the sounds of it it's a good thing you didn't get the job. Wtf does how your hair is styled have any impact on how you do a job?

[Madamum18]

How dare they comment on appearance -- presumably how you wore your hair was NOT a person specification/short listing criteria!!!!

The interviewer needs a lesson in interviewing techniques. The recruiter needs a lesson in feedback techniques.

You ...had a very lucky escape!

How dare they!!!

[Devora13]

I would be inclined to challenge this as it does sound discriminatory to me. Just because you didn't get the job, doesn't mean the organisation and those who represent it are above the law.
But that's just me-depends how strongly you feel about it. For me, it would through the whole impa

[Devora13]

impartiality and integrity of the interview process into question.

[Devora13]

Haven't read the whole thread, but could you name and shame?

[Devora13]

Some comments about the having misjudged. a) we only know what the OP has told us, but having gone so far through the recruitment process, I doubt that was the case. b) nice to stick to the facts as presented and not chuck in judgy, let's-make-an-uninformed-guess comments. Otherwise surely this makes us look as ignorant as the apparently clueless interviewer. Disturbing how many apparently senior executives are idiots when it comes to employment rights.