An actuating system for a head restraint of a vehicle seat is provided. The head restraint includes a part that can be shifted from a comfort position to a safety position, such as in the event of an accident. Limbs are expandable from an initial position as a consequence of pressure loading to bring about a lengthening which can be transmitted to force transmission means. The limbs are connected to one another and/or to fastening means by joints, each having a first and a second joint pin which can be inserted axially into holes to form the joints.