braids

Its possible your hair type is very different from mine, so what helps me may not help you, but what I'd do if it were me is coat your hair with a little water and a ton of conditioner and try to comb it out with the conditioner in it. 

Use a wide tooth comb (with no plastic seams if you have one) instead of a brush.  Start combing it from the ends down and gradually work your way up (meaning don't start at the roots and pull down, that will just compact the knots).  Good luck.