Trope Rant

Why is it that in every novel with a "geek girl" heroine there must be some sort of makeover element? This is particularly true in novels with multiple kid heroes. Even Hermoine is subjected to the geek girl makeover in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.

The Incredibles set this off for me today. Why must Violet--who is cool in every other way--be interested in some dip? Why does she get noticed by him when she finds herself? Why is finding oneself manifested by pulling one's hair back?

Aargh. Rant over. I will never do that to my current geek girl heroine!