A hood lifting actuator according to various implementations includes a piston, a locking ring, and a housing including a protrusion. The housing further includes a distal end, the distal end defining a distal end wall, wherein the locking ring is retained between the distal end wall and the protrusion prior to actuation of the actuator. The piston travels from a retracted position to an extended position. In the extended position, the hood lifting actuator lifts a portion of a vehicle hood into an elevated position. In response to a force urging the piston from the extended position toward the retracted position, such as a person impacting the portion of the vehicle hood, the locking ring engages the protrusion and the piston, thereby locking the piston in a locked position.