Top notes, also known as head notes, are the initial scents that you perceive when you first apply a fragrance. They are typically light and volatile, evaporating quickly within the first 5 to 15 minutes. Common top notes include citrus fruits like lemon and bergamot, as well as fresh herbs like mint. These notes create the first impression of a fragrance and are designed to be uplifting and refreshing. While they fade rapidly, they play a crucial role in attracting attention and setting the stage for the deeper, more complex middle and base notes that follow in the fragrance experience.