I had this exact question a few days ago, after my first try with ponytail drying. I went right online after I felt I had too much breakage and got great advice from the ladies on this board.
They suggested that I put my hair into the pony or gather it into the ponytail, and detangle while in the shower. That worked much better. I patted some of the moisture out of my hair when I got out of the shower, smoothed the leave-in over my gather hair, did not part it. Combed it with a large tooth comb only a little since it was already smoothed back while in the shower put the hair in a ponytail holder then put the pony tail on a roller to dry. (Oh, I also put some Wild Growth Oil on my hair and on the ends too). Tied my hair down and went to bed.
When I woke up it was still damp, but very little hair came out in the comb when I combed and parted to put surge and oil on my scalp. I've decided to do as little manipulation with my hair while wet as possible, and wait until it dries to apply things to my scalp, and since I do conditioner washes now, my scalp and hair that needs moisture in the middle should be ok until the hair dries.
Sorry so long...hope it helps.