Drying Cattails

[SandyMom]

I've picked a bunch of cattails before they've gone to seed. I've read that it's good to spray them w/ hairspray to preserve.
Does anyone know if they should be sprayed before they dry or after - and how long do they take to dry once they're hung?
Thanks in advance for any info you may have.

[34me]

When I was a kid we always sprayed them as soon as we brought them home. If I recall correctly they can poof in the drying process. We also never hung them just put them in a vase.

[SandyMom]

Okay thanks so much!
How much hairspray do I use? Just coat them evenly?
Thanks so much for the reply!