A headrest element may have a central supporting region and two lateral supporting regions. The lateral supporting regions may be pivotable with respect to the central supporting region about a side pivot axis, which may run at least substantially parallel to a supporting surface of the central supporting region, in such a manner that an angle of the supporting surfaces of the lateral supporting regions can in each case be adjusted variably with respect to the supporting surface of the central supporting region. The central supporting region and the lateral supporting regions may be jointly pivotable about a transverse pivot axis, which runs at least substantially perpendicular to the side pivot axes, in such a manner that an adjustment of the supporting regions in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle is possible. A headrest using the headrest element is also described.