I have this same problem. My hair is 3c/4a so it's VERY curly (and that's an understatement!). So far, the thing that helps the most is detangling my hair in sections and once I detangle one section it immediately gets braided before I move on to detangling the next section so that it doesn't have the time to shrink up and re-tangle itself. I leave them in until my hair is fully dry. Usually I end up with 6-8 braids depending on my mood and method of sectioning the hair. Since you say your hair is wavy the braids should add body if anything to your texture and not mess it up. You can also try two-stranded twists (rope braids) if you want ringlets rather than waves.
If anyone else knows any better methods please share as you can never have too many hints in your detangling arsenal. HAPPY HOLIDAYS btw!!!
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