A head restraint assembly includes a locking mechanism (42, 46) that is electromagnetically actuated and is selectively moveable between a locked and an unlocked position, thereby allowing the head restraint (30) to move between an upright and a folded position. The locked position comprises engagement of a first lock member (42) with a second lock member (46) to prevent rotation of the head restraint relative to a base portion (14) of the head restraint and the unlocked position comprises disengagement of the first lock member from the second lock member to allow rotation of the head restraint relative to the base portion. An electromagnet (50) is operatively connected to the head restraint and positioned to exert a magnetic force on the second lock member that urges the second lock member toward the unlocked position when the electromagnet is in an energized condition.