There are products for hair that make it easier to comb tangles out.
I have hair to the middle of my back and a spiral perm. Products like Paul Mitchell Awapuhi Moisture Mist help make the tangles easier to comb out. I spray it in while wet and use a brush with wide set plastic bristles that give easily, and be gentle with the hair!
I wash my hair in the shower, do this when I get out, shake it all back and put a headband in and let it dry naturally. It takes very little time.