Proper hand positioning?

I’m brand new to Muay Thai and was told two separate things (different gyms); when I am doing the basic stance and have my gloves up over my face, do I hold my gloves directly against my head or keep like an inch or two of air in between?

One person told me, if I leave a gap, when I get hit, it just transfers into my head and is no good. I want the gloves right on my head to absorb it the best.

Someone else said you WANT the gap to leave a little bit of lag or “cushion” before you get hit.

Which is correct?