ahhh. Well to hide from render uncheck visible. However, you have to get it in first. I had that happen on bvh on the demo.Maybe check your import settings like scale etc... Maybe it is an incompatible format or version of a format. Can you open it elsewhere? Yeah I have a problem w/ primivol and 3d shaders I am trying to work thru. It ain't fun.You need your hair I am sure. :D

No need to think outside the box....
    Just make it invisible.