This is how many times a week you should *actually* be washing your hair

To wash or not to wash? How often you should be washing your hair has been one of the most debated haircare questions.

While some prefer to wash their hair every day, especially following daily cardio classes, it may be doing more damage to your strands than you think. When you wash your hair every day, you're actually stripping your tresses of its much-needed natural oils, leading to dry and brittle locks.

So ... how often should you be washing your hair? We sought out the expertise of celebrity hairstylist Arsen Gurgov, whose celeb clientele include Emmy Rossum and Hoda Kotb, to answer this question for us once and for all.

For those with colored or chemically treated hair, Gurgov advises you only wash your hair "once or twice a week."

"Wet hair is at its most fragile state as the water swells the cuticle so washing your hair less is also less wear and tear on your gentle strands" Gurgov revealed.

RELATED: Long bobs we love for the summer:

And if washing your hair only once or twice a week seems nearly impossible, you fortunately get a pass in the summer months.

"Hair tends to get greasy, dull and flat from sweat and product build up so you may need to wash it more frequently."

His biggest piece of advice? Invest in a good dry shampoo "to soak up excess grease, dirt and refresh the hair" so you can go longer in between washes.

Gurgov also suggested avoiding "silicone-based styling products which contain waxes that build up with repeated use and coat the hair making it flat, dull and lifeless. Instead, look for ones with argan oil in them which don’t cause product build-up and offer weightless shine" (this MorrocanOil treatment is our favorite).

Lastly, using leave-in conditioner once a week to "restore moisture and nourish dehydrated hair" is also key.

"Look for one that is formulated for dry, damaged, weak and frizzy hair types as these generally contain more nourishing ingredients to lock in moisture and shine," Gurgov said.

For more on summer hair, watch the slideshow above.