5 yr old daughter cries when combing her hair

Hi, I am a newbie here. Thanks for having me.
My 5 yr old daughter has waist length curly hair.
Naturally, such long hair get tangled and she cries when I try to comb them.
Also, I heard that long hair are not healthy for kids that young because the weight of the hair (when we tie them in a knot, bun etc.) causes the weakening of their roots.
I tried the detangler, but seemed like it takes the curls away.
I absolutely want her long hair and want to keep the curls as well.
Is there a way to keep those long hair while keeping the curls intact or do I have to cut them ? My daughter also likes her hair except when they are combed :-).
We are of south asian decent, in case that information is important.