A head restraint (14) has a headrest (16) and at least one guide tube (18) that can be latched to a backrest structure of a motor vehicle seat for movable guidance of the headrest (16) in the direction of travel. An actuating rod (30) is mounted rotatably in the guide tube (18) and an unlocking slide (40) can be moved axially by rotating the actuating rod (30). In an actuating position, the unlocking slide (40) moves a latching element (58) into an unlatched position, and, in a rest position, the latching element (58) occupies a latched position. An actuating bar (24) is guided in the headrest (16) for rotating the actuating rod (30). The guide tube (18) is supported axially without tilting, and protectively accommodates a latching mechanism (59) that is easy to actuate from outside so that the head restraint (14) can be adjusted in a simple manner.